Some of us teacher candidates haven't been in an elementary classroom in years. I am definitely one of them! I look forward to working in the classroom setting as a teacher candidate, learning, shadowing and putting into practice the skills that I have learned. Though I am optimistic, I do have some fears and concerns with placement. I stumbled on a website called Edutopia. According to Edutopia, they are a trusted source that highlights what works in education. Edutopia shows educators how they can adapt and adopt best practices in teaching as well as share stories of innovation and continuous learning. An article entitled, "5 Tips to Help Student Teachers Stay Positive", under the "New Teachers" section of the website, the author shared helpful advice and strategies for coping with challenges related to placement. These tips can help and encourage teacher candidates to stay positive and growth-focused throughout placement. Bekah Landfair, the author of the article suggests the following tips:
Tip #1 Keep a teaching journal
Use a journal to record your successes and areas of improvements. Journaling can be an outlet of decompression after stressful moments in placement. Looking back on your entries help you become a reflective teacher. You can see how much you have grown as a teacher and a person through the months that have passed.
Tip #2 Be a filter of feedback, not a sponge
It can be difficult to receive feedback that isn't positive. However, a teacher candidate should use this criticism as means of finding areas of improvement instead of feeling discouraged. Asking yourself, "What can I do to improve myself based on the feedback that I received?" and "How will this improvement help my students grow?" will help you learn from your mistakes and move on.
Tip #3 Invest time in a passion or hobby unrelated to school
As teacher candidates (and new teachers), there can be a lot of time and energy focused on lesson planning and teacher college homework. Landfair suggests that teacher candidates should dedicate time to take care of themselves and enjoy time away from placement classroom planning and activities by doing something enjoyable. Doing this can prevent burnout and continue to stimulate your passion and energy for teaching.
Tip #4 Recruit cheerleaders
Find a teaching mentor who is passionate and enthusiastic about the teaching profession. This person will be your biggest supporter and encourager! Mentors like this will inspire you and celebrate your growth.
Tip #5 Remember your why
Design a mission statement for your career while reflecting on these questions:
Why do you want to become a teacher?
What's one moment you've had with a student that makes you think, "This is all worth it"?
Start your mission statement with:"I am a teacher because….." and commit your mission statement to memory.
I encourage you all to read the full article here: https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-tips-help-student-teachers-stay-positive
Kerry@NU
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