Student
teaching WILL be challenging!
There
will be days that things don’t go your way—
Change
directions.
Students
will ask seemingly redundant questions,
Such
as, “Are you a real teacher!?”
You’ll
think Is that a real question??
Instead
of saying that, though, you’ll smile and respond, “I plan to be.”
“Professionals”
will voice very unprofessional opinions
Concerning
students, colleagues and anything else they can rant about.
Ignore
them. Don’t allow them taint your passion for the profession.
The
very first time you teach independently one of the
Assistant
Principals will walk in the room—
You’ll
stumble over a few words, compose yourself and then proceed.
A
student will run into your classroom and inform you that
There
is a boy vs. girl fight right outside your door.
Your
CT will try to intervene only to never return to class for the remainder of the
day
(Or
the day after that).
You’ll
be left, suddenly with the four remaining classes.
Breathe;
it’s not the end of the world.
This
is an opportunity to stand on your own two feet.
A
brilliant idea for a lesson will escape your mind
Just
as your are trying to tell your CT about it.
The
lessons will come and go faster than it seems
You
can plan them.
The
pressure of student teaching, the KPTP, kids, family
A
social life, Licensure Exams, Interviews and everything else
Will
have you feeling like you’re slowly suffocating.
Take
five, step back, prioritize your responsibilities
And
exhale.
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DeleteI really like the line "Breathe: it's not the end of the world," because throughout my pre-student teaching and student teaching I have been placed in a number of situations where, at least from I stood, it seemed like the end of the world. Thankfully, my CT was always there to walk me through it (he has an excellent sense of when I am in need of extra help); as a result said kinds of situations have served more as a learning tool than as a hinderance to my growth as a future educator. The trick is to keep smiling, stay positive, and, to quote Walt Disney, "keep moving forward." Because if you can make it through the bad days, then the good days will seem all the more easier. I am curious, though. What are some of the methods you use to keep calm and from getting overwhelmed when placed in difficult situations? Do you know of any good practices to meeting those situations head on, maybe even to the point of preventing them before they actually take place? I am curious, and I would love to hear your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLater!
I've learned that when I am confronted with a tough situation it is important to take a moment, step back and put things into perspective. Often times when I've done that I realize that perhaps I've overreacted and things are not as bad as they seemed. I've also began to utilize resources, asking my CT and other professionals for advice. Lastly I remind myself that I'm only human. I'm not perfect and that I will make mistakes and learn from them. Hope this helps!!
ReplyDeleteI like the lines, “Professionals” will voice very unprofessional opinions
ReplyDeleteConcerning students, colleagues and anything else they can rant about.
Ignore them. Don’t allow them taint your passion for the profession." I have run across a few of these and they try to convince me to choose a different career. I remind myself, not everything is going to be perfect but the attitude I choose to go in the school with is going to affect the way the rest of the day goes. Something I am sure you have heard but I have to remind my self when I get around negative people to take a step back. Your poems are always encouraging and something you should print and display for yourself. Thank you for the pick me up and laugh.
Christina, I am amazed at how many teachers I encounter that have such a negative attitude towards the profession they have chosen. I agree with you 100%, the attitude of the individual is very important. If you have a positive outlook, you'll get positive results! That is not to say that things will always be good, but it will certainly help you to make the best out of any situation! You are a very positive person and that will undoubtedly take you far in this profession!!
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