Letter to Me

Dear Kyle,

Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Congratulations Kyle on coming back to college. I know it probably wasn’t an easy transition for you, being as stubborn and mule headed as you are. Hey, maybe next time you need to do something really important, not only for yourself but your family-yeah, that’s right you have three kids now! -  let’s not wait five years to do it huh? 

Great, sounds good. Now pay attention because I have some advice for you that may help you out.

When you are out in the schools doing your observations and pre-student teaching GET INVOLVED more! Talk with teachers, administrators, office staff- hell anyone who’ll listen to you. Because as much as you may not want to realize it and believe it, much of it does come down to whom you know and not so much what you know. (Now don’t take this to mean you can slack off in class and try to coast your way through college because I will invent a time machine and sucker punch you something awful when you least expect it). Ask questions and take notes on what you ask so you can have it as a resource and keep connections alive with the teachers you work with. You will soon find out how great of a family teachers are and how willing they are to help one another (that is if you put forth the effort yourself).

Also, when you are in your placements make relationships with your students. This is what you are good at, however, remember that you are teacher/mentor/role model first and friend second. They need your guidance more than your friendship at this stage in their lives. Not to say you can’t joke around and be silly with them, but they need to know that school is for their benefit and you won’t compromise on that fact.

Listen to your professors and advisors, they have been through all of this before and they know how to help you if you need help. Don’t be embarrassed to ask, your advisor probably has heard every question possible- if it is unclear to you ASK! Also, ask your CTs for advice or suggestions on how to get more comfortable in the class or how to get more involved in teaching. Furthermore, reach out to other teachers in your building-this is a good way to build relationships and also to gain a different perspective from your CTs. (who you know)

As you progress through the CORE classes pay special attention to the lessons on how to make lesson plans and semester plans. This will help you tremendously in your preparation for becoming a teacher. You will need to know how to adapt lessons for a range of student abilities and also how to link lessons together day-to-day. It will also help you plan ahead so you won’t be buried by homework each night. Have an ‘end result’ in mind, know what you want to have the students accomplish and learn after a certain time frame.

Speaking of CORE classes, keep your assignments-they will help you by being a great resource to have to look back on when your head is swimming later on during student teaching. So much is covered during CORE classes that it is hard to keep it all in your head- not to mention you are going to be crazy busy with your kids and working as well. In addition to your assignments you’ll want to keep your text books too. They will also be a great resource for you- as you will learn you will become somewhat of a hoarder/pack rat (even more than you are now) but it is essential to have numerous resources.

In sum, Kyle you need to get involved and interact with students and teachers alike. This will help you later on feel more accustomed to being in the school setting. Make connections with the people in all of the schools you observe in, it could be of great help to you in a short amount of time. Start to compile resources, from your classes and professors at WSU as well as you CTs and other teachers within your building. Above all keep in mind you can make a difference and each day you can get better than the day before. Make the commitment each day to be a great teacher and you will reap the rewards.