September 28, 2008
Dear Sarah,
As you walked out of the SEC office today, you have only the
vaguest idea of the adventures and obstacles you will face on your journey to
becoming an English teacher. Over the
next four years, you will face some of the most trying and fantastic moments
you can only imagine right now. Some
days you will feel completely defeated and on others you’ll feel like you can save
the world. Don’t let the difficult times
drive you away; let them shape your preparation for becoming teacher.
Sarah, one of the most important things you’ll learn in your
final year as pre-service teacher is that you can never plan enough. You’ll very soon realize that, as a pre-service
teacher, you’re not the best at everything, but being prepared and organized is
something you do have a little control over so ALWAYS be ready to teach. Also, always have a lesson AND a backup
lesson ready to teach to your students.
Not only will it make you look good in your CT’s eyes, your students
will appreciate it.
Ask questions as often as possible and gather plenty of resources. With every chance you have, ask experienced teachers
questions, for advice, and for teaching resources. When you begin your first year of teaching,
you’ll have talked to a diverse group of teachers and have well-rounded information.
Become involved in your placement school, Sarah. Don’t just
stick to hanging out in your assigned classroom. Interact with other teachers and become involved
with extracurricular activities or school programs. Since these are so important to students and
with them spending much of their time participating in these activities, spending
your time getting involved will be beneficial in connecting with your students.
The pre-service program at WSU will help you in so many
ways, Sarah. While your education classes
will not be prescriptive, they will make you feel prepared for the situations
you’ll encounter during student teaching and your first year of teaching. Spend time getting to know the faculty members
of the College of Education; they can provide you with a wealth of information. Also, pay attention to Dr. M – she knows
her stuff!
Again, Sarah, good luck over the next four years. They will be harsh sometimes, but even on the
days you hurry to your car after school with tears streaming down your cheeks,
hoping no one sees, the next day will be better. The next day after that will be even better. You always have a chance to improve; you’ll
learn to adapt as needed and surround yourself with positive people. Above all, Sarah, don’t lose hope because you’re
not doing this for yourself, but for your students.
See you in a few years,
SH
