Education Short List

Recently a friend of mine enrolled in a local university to become a teacher. By talking with her, it automatically made me think of my time in graduate school – first to obtain a teacher’s credential and then my Master’s degree. I gained a great deal of knowledge from the classes that I went through. However, there were some important things I wish I would have known, learned, or done before completing those programs.

Substitute Teach

a. You may really think that teaching 1st grade is the bee’s knees and the greatest thing ever – but once you’re in your room with 30 five and six year olds it could become a completely different story.
b. By taking the time to substitute, you will gain experience and knowledge about what grades you would like to teach, what your specialty could be, meet experienced teachers and administrators, and learn information that can assist you better in your graduate program.

Start buying books

a. Everyone knows if you can’t read, you can’t do anything. Even though you may not know exactly what classroom you will end up in, it’s always a smart move to start collecting books for your future school.
b. Having an array of diverse books for your students to read will encourage them to become diverse readers in turn. Make sure to include authors and stories of different races, cultures, professions, and genders.
c. The books don’t need to be brand new or all in hardback; used books, ones bought at sales or auctions, newer stories or old classics are all greatly appreciated by your students – even your high school kiddos.

Pick your Master Teacher

a. Look for a school, grade, and teacher exactly like what you think you want for one session of student teaching; then choose one the exact opposite. By going to the two extremes you will discover more about yourself and what sort of classroom environment you are rightly chosen for.
b. One of the very best things I could have done was to know and pick my Master Teacher prior to the actual start of my student teaching program. I knew when I met my Master Teacher that I was going to learn a great deal from her; she taught me about developing lessons, scheduling, working with colleagues, and being patient. By allowing my graduate school decide for me, this probably wouldn’t of happen. Not to say that my university would have done a bad job – it’s just that they don’t know me as well as I do. Not only was she a great Master Teacher, she is now a dear friend.

Find your local school supply stores

a. This frustrated me throughout my entire time in grad school. My professors would talk and teach us about what types of lessons plans to make, but we never knew what we needed in the classroom. By starting now to find the right flashcards, name tags, notebooks, wall décor – you are not only learning more about the type of teacher you want to be and you are discovering the valuable resources in your neighborhood. But probably the best part about looking now for those supply stores – is you can save yourself some money.
b. Also realize too that you don’t necessarily need to buy everything from one place – the Dollar Tree, Target, office supply and art/craft stores will give you a lot of creative and inexpensive ways to prepare.