The Preservice Teacher
What Makes a Good Teacher Begins During Preservice Teaching Years
One of the best aspects of preservice teaching is the noncommittal relationship a new teacher has with a particular school. Most teacher colleges see the preservice training period as a viable implementation of a student's acquisition of methodology and theory. These few years are also important in building confidence levels in order to meet the rising needs and demands in big classrooms today in many states across the United States.
Yet the preservice teaching years are the beginning years and an important time to ask questions, record important teaching experiences and moments and start to build a portfolio of lesson plans, projects and other wealth of teaching activities and ideas. They are normally the roughest of all the years with the classroom management being the toughest of all issue to 'hit."
Preservice teachers think that they need to simply sink or swim during the first months of teaching , but the truth is, that the combination of teacher mentorship while still studying practical methods is quite a unique setting. You may be entering the teaching world for the first time which can be an isolating experience, but remember there is still much to share with other teachers. Networking with other teachers at this stage is very much part of that teaching experience.
Try the following tips to help avoid the sink or swim syndrome:
- Have a mini coffee break with your teacher mentor or methodology advisor.
- small seminars and in-service meetings are great informal perks
- Online boards are also a great way to maintain a teacher friendly supportive environment.
- Consider emails, skype and videoconferencing as ongoing interactive environment for ensuring new teacher support.
The preservice teaching years are essentially a zone for networking, sharing and learning. It is the time when new teachers feel they are on terribly shaky ground mainly due to their lack of experience. Always take stock and pride of your assets, especially those that make you stand out as a teacher. It greatly helps if you can make note and write them down for future reference. You will have both good and bad days.
It is important to be reminded of your positive attributes of what make you decide to become a teacher in the first place, before you decide to turn to your principal and write that quitting letter.
Preservice teachers: Do you have any questions or concerns about managing your clssroom or first day of school concerns? Start a discussion or feel free to email me.
