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madyson
Student
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What are the most important skills and experiences I should prioritize while in college to prepare for a career as a third grade teacher ?
I will be starting my classes fall of 2025, and although I know all of my education will be prioritized, I'm wondering if there is anything else others might have found they wished they spent more time on to help prepare them for their teaching role after their programs
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2 answers
James Washok, M.Ed., M.S. IDT
Instructional Designer
10
Answers
Hurst, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
As mentioned above, one of the most important skills that you will need to master, and is rarely "taught" in any class outside of student teaching experience, is classroom management. Along with lesson planning, it will be the most utilized skill.
Additionally, I would also suggest personal time management and project management, as lesson writing/developing and day-to-day living are part of the entire "project" experience, and being able to effectively monitor and use your time effectively will ensure you don't burn out.
"Feed-forward" thinking (the reverse of feedback) is the art of adjusting on the fly. If you see students struggling, try to determine, as you progress, WHY...and adjust your lesson and approach accordingly.
Emotional intelligence is paramount. Not only in understanding others, but how YOU react and perceive events, issues, and actions. This is critical. This can be furthered learned from psychology classes beyond those that you take for your program (I had to take 9 credits of psych classes, but loved it enough to get a complete minor in it...and then some).
And, of course, communication. Which takes into consideration feed-forward, emotional intelligence, and active listening.
Additionally, I would also suggest personal time management and project management, as lesson writing/developing and day-to-day living are part of the entire "project" experience, and being able to effectively monitor and use your time effectively will ensure you don't burn out.
"Feed-forward" thinking (the reverse of feedback) is the art of adjusting on the fly. If you see students struggling, try to determine, as you progress, WHY...and adjust your lesson and approach accordingly.
Emotional intelligence is paramount. Not only in understanding others, but how YOU react and perceive events, issues, and actions. This is critical. This can be furthered learned from psychology classes beyond those that you take for your program (I had to take 9 credits of psych classes, but loved it enough to get a complete minor in it...and then some).
And, of course, communication. Which takes into consideration feed-forward, emotional intelligence, and active listening.
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Madyson! That’s a wonderful path, and it’s great that you’re thinking ahead. Along with your education coursework, prioritize building strong communication, classroom management, and lesson planning skills, they’re essential in a third-grade classroom. Get as much hands-on experience as you can through tutoring, volunteering in schools, or working with kids at camps or after-school programs. Practice patience, adaptability, and creativity, skills that truly come to life when you’re working with young learners. Many teachers say they wish they had spent more time learning how to handle diverse learning needs and building confidence with parents and colleagues, so seek out those experiences too. You’re already showing the heart of a great teacher by caring this much before day one. Good luck!
Thank you so much!
madyson