Oh Me, Oh My.

Dear me,

            You’re tired. You want to be done. You think you are ready to have your own classroom because you’ve learned it all, right? Oh, you are so, so wrong. Your student teaching is just around the corner and I know you’re nervous. How do I know? Well, I’ve been there. This is the semester you have been waiting for for several years, and now it’s here. It seems like not long ago you had no idea what your major was going to be or what direction your life would take, but you have it all figured out now. But the work doesn’t stop here.

            I'll refrain from sugar coating. Student teaching will be the hardest semester of your life. Not only because of the nature of student teaching, but because life is going to throw some serious curve balls that you won’t know how to dodge. But, don’t fear. The experience and savvy you have gained through your tutoring experiences and observations have prepared you to do a great job, even when you feel like it’s all just too much. Entering the co-op program was one of the most beneficial decisions you made during your schooling and you have already learned so much that will stay with you during student teaching. You are intelligent. You are prepared. You will be successful.

            There are some things, however, that I would suggest doing differently now that I look back to where you are now. The biggest change I would make is not listening to all of the gossip that is ever-present in every school environment, whether it is the college or high school classroom. Those people will only discourage you, worry you, and bring you down. Stand sturdy on your own two feet but don’t forget that your colleagues are experiencing the same situation you are and they are great people to talk to. Just tread carefully.

            My next piece of advice is no less important than the first: believe in yourself and stay confident in your abilities. Keep in mind that everyone is different and that you will encounter teachers who may not like the way you do things, but that doesn’t mean you’re not good enough or that you’re wrong. In addition, seek out the advice of the teachers with whom you work. After all, you are still a student and you don’t know everything (not even close!) and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s an opportunity to learn.

            Lastly, understand that there will be things required of you that you will not enjoy completing. Nonetheless, take your coursework seriously and STOP procrastinating! I would think that by now procrastination wouldn’t be a problem, but it is still one of my biggest weaknesses. Stop the cycle now and prepare for your assignments and coursework ahead of time. Harder said than done, I know.

Most importantly, always remember why you are doing what you’re doing. It will get you through the roughest of times.

Always,

Leslie