What's the best advice you can give me?

Question

Being a teacher someday has been my dream for a long time. I'm starting my first year of college this year, and can't wait! Do you have any advice for me that either applies to now or in the future?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

congrats to you :)

i jus wanna say : "own your students" then u'll be the best teacher and ur students will always love you and respect you

cheeers n best wishes for ur future :)

Answer 2

Here is the best advice that I can give you.  Since you have not yet started college yet, pick a major that can easily take you into another field if you so desire at a later point in life.  As a teacher, you can major in anything.  You will obviously need to have a few child development courses but your BA or BS can be in anything since you need to go back afterwards to get your teaching credential.  Major in something that you find interesting so that in case you do burn out as a teacher you can have something to fall back on without having to go back to school at age 30+.  I taught for 7 years before I really burnt out.  (It's not always the kids... it can be the parents and the administrators as well that do a number on you.)  At that point it would have been nice to have had a college background that didn't deal solely with teaching.  There are plenty of people who pick teaching as a second career who were in completely different career fields  before.  My best advice is to major in something that would be your second choice of career field.  That way, if you ever do burn out teaching and want to try something different, you will be prepared.  It is very rare to find someone who can spend the next 30 years doing the same thing year after year!  You also may want to just take a break from teaching for a while and go back to it after having a rest. (I did) You also might want to get a job working as a teachers aide while you are in college.  Lots of college students who want to be teachers do that.  It is a great way for you to get a feel for the job and work with kids at the same time.  It will also look good on your teacher resume when you go for your first job!  Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

Eyes speak of the inner confidence. Be prepared with your subject and show your confidence. Donot shout at class  even if the students irritate as  losing temper will show that they were successful in their intentions. Donot give complaints against student to principal. Show them that you are strong and nobody can change your mind once you have decided to teach. Help weak students spent your free hours with them. Keep in mind that even if are you able to make one student capable of

achieve his/her goal then your life will have greater meaning.

Do not have much expectations initially so as to avoid dissapointment.

Try to learn new things everyday, not only in subject but also like improving you

teaching skills, speaking skills, psycology of students etc. Learn about some instanances from successful people and tell during the class it will be like a short break from routine classroom teaching and it will encourage them too. All the best.

Answer 4

Keep your enthusiasm!  Yes, this can be a very demanding and frustrating job, but it also is a very rewarding (and yes--FUN!) job!  The most important thing to always remember is to keep your focus and passion... it is very difficult for some people  to understand how teaching is more than just a career choice...it's a calling.  Are there days when you feel like beating your head against the chalkboard?  You bet (lol)..but every time you see that look of 'a-ha' on one of your kids' faces, you'll remember that it's all worth it!  Best wishes to you!

Answer 5

I have a few suggestions.  Get a huge three ring binder.  Every time you see a worksheet or lesson plan you like, file it in the binder.  Organize it from the start.  At the end of four years you will have the best little library of ideas.

Find the closest elementary school near the college.  Email the principal and offer your service one day a week for at least a term, if not the school year.  Try to work with one teacher or two and gain their trust.  Have them be a mentor for you.  In the end you will have great recommendations from professionals.  

Each state has a student education association.  Check with your college's education department to the name of the association.  Join the group for the four years.  Your college may even run a club surrounding it.  Then you can be a chapter leader in the future, and the membership looks good an a new teacher's resume.

Answer 6

Go for it! If has been a dream for a long time, you would be shorting yourself not to follow your dream. There is a reason you are being called to teaching.

Advice? Read everything, do your assignments well, and treat your own work like you will expect your own student to do.

God Bless!

Answer 7

Congrats and thank you in advance for teaching our children!! Well i would say this...Pick your battles,,dont pick favorites and remember there are no stupid questions. OH and have a lot of tylenol on hand!! Take care and Good luck..Miss Marissa!!

Answer 8

Keep it fun.  Never forget all of the reasons you want to be a teacher, and don't ever lose focus on your dream.  Once you get "in", it is hard to remember those dreams you once had because of all the negativity you have to face.  If you keep that in mind, you will be a wonderful teacher!

Answer 9

As a 14-year teaching veteran, I would say that as soon as you can, spend some time in VOLUNTEERING in classrooms of many different ages. I thought I only wanted to teach 2nd grade and ended up discovering an interest in several different levels. I would also recommend looking into a GOOD education school-- look for more than just something local or something cheap. There may be equally good programs, but I did my bachelor's training at Montana State University (Bozeman). Their program was excellent. We had to spend a LOT of time in classrooms to even qualify for student teaching. A lot of my professional colleagues say that they didn't even step foot into a classroom before student teaching. Before you spend a lot of time, effort, and money on pursuing this degree, KNOW that you want to do it! Also, don't limit yourself to only being interested in teaching one level. When that first job offer comes, you're going to want a PAYCHECK! Apply for whatever you're qualified for and whatever you can LIVE with. Your first job may not be your dream job, but it'll be a foot in the door. Be flexible.

Answer 10

Elementry is where I started in college.  After a yr of student teaching I threw up my hands in disgust.  The kids (third grade) were disrespectful and would cuss at the top of their lungs, throw them selves on the floor in tantrums, etc.  Teaching has a huge burn out rate.  If you feel this is just your calling I might suggest to do it at a college level.  Know this, fifty percent of students in college change their major at least once.  Be open to all ideas.  I do not mean to burst your bubble or anything, but I suggest volunteering at a local school so you get a feel for just where kids are at now at days.  best to you

Answer 11

You must love kids to be a good teacher.Show them that you really care ,respect them and they will respect you, make your room look as pleasant with a caring touch that they'll be proud to be in your class,lots of motivation,learn their learning styles so you can reach all of them, use different strategies to teach but most of all let them know that you'll be there to help them to have a successful school year.