4 answers
Akira
Student
Bolton, Mississippi
1
Question
Asked
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Incoming Elementary Major?
#Spring 26
Hello! I'm an incoming freshman. My major is Elementary Education. I was wondering... What are some things that you wished you knew before majoring in education, applying to be a teacher, or even while teaching? And what would you recommend for someone who struggles with self esteem and introvertness. My goal was to be the type of teacher where students can feel supported and heard. Especially ones who struggles in school whether academically or socially or mentally.
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4 answers
Jeffrey Smith
Accounting, Audit and Real Estate
9
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
Akira, remember that parents like to be involved because you're helping shape their children's minds. Being introverted isn't a problem at all. In fact, introverted teachers often show great compassion, support, and warmth, leading to success. Teaching can also help you step out of your social comfort zone.
Sonjanita L. Moore
Adjunct Professor
19
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sonjanita L.’s Answer
1) What are some things that you wished you knew before majoring in education, applying to be a teacher, or even while teaching?
I did not take the traditional path to being a teacher. I was doing museum and community/youth org educational experiences first and then, starting teaching in charter schools before moving to public schools and higher education. I wish in some ways that I had done exchange programs to other countries to see education there. I wish I had about fellowships and grants as a way to learn for free and to cover college fees (I have so much student loan debt!). Check out a site called PROFELLOW to learn more. I wish someone had told me to create your systems and procedures collaboratively with your students (Create a classroom based on rights & responsibility vs. rules) and work to build a community rooted in love, respect and high expectations.
2) what would you recommend for someone who struggles with self esteem and introvertness?
I am an introvert and have been a teacher for 31 years! The relationship you establish with your students will be so meaningful and personal that you will find it rewarding. I do recommend learning about your own social emotional needs so that it will make you a better teacher. CASEL has a number of free nine webinars you can take as a future teacher. I also recommend that you read books by Gholdy Muhammad and Liza Talusan.
I did not take the traditional path to being a teacher. I was doing museum and community/youth org educational experiences first and then, starting teaching in charter schools before moving to public schools and higher education. I wish in some ways that I had done exchange programs to other countries to see education there. I wish I had about fellowships and grants as a way to learn for free and to cover college fees (I have so much student loan debt!). Check out a site called PROFELLOW to learn more. I wish someone had told me to create your systems and procedures collaboratively with your students (Create a classroom based on rights & responsibility vs. rules) and work to build a community rooted in love, respect and high expectations.
2) what would you recommend for someone who struggles with self esteem and introvertness?
I am an introvert and have been a teacher for 31 years! The relationship you establish with your students will be so meaningful and personal that you will find it rewarding. I do recommend learning about your own social emotional needs so that it will make you a better teacher. CASEL has a number of free nine webinars you can take as a future teacher. I also recommend that you read books by Gholdy Muhammad and Liza Talusan.
Nsamba Sharif
Fitness Trainer
5
Answers
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
Updated
Nsamba’s Answer
Congrats on choosing elementary education Akira. It's exciting that you're already thinking ahead! Since I can only see part of your question, here's general advice for getting a strong start (let me know if you were asking something more specific):
Get experience with kids before fieldwork requires it — tutoring, after-school programs, babysitting, camp counseling. It builds intuition no textbook gives you.
Join your school's Education club or student teacher association early — it's the fastest way to meet upperclassmen who can tell you what's actually useful.
Build relationships with professors from day one. In education, who knows you matters as much as your GPA when it comes to placements and recommendations.
Start a habit of organizing your time now — juggling coursework with early classroom hours is a preview of the juggling act teaching actually is.
Get experience with kids before fieldwork requires it — tutoring, after-school programs, babysitting, camp counseling. It builds intuition no textbook gives you.
Join your school's Education club or student teacher association early — it's the fastest way to meet upperclassmen who can tell you what's actually useful.
Build relationships with professors from day one. In education, who knows you matters as much as your GPA when it comes to placements and recommendations.
Start a habit of organizing your time now — juggling coursework with early classroom hours is a preview of the juggling act teaching actually is.
Nsamba Sharif
Fitness Trainer
5
Answers
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
Updated
Nsamba’s Answer
Congratulations on choosing elementary education, Akira! It's great that you're planning ahead. Get some experience with kids before you have to do fieldwork. You can try tutoring, helping with after-school programs, babysitting, or being a camp counselor. These activities teach you things you can't learn from a textbook.
Join your school's education club or student teacher association as soon as possible. It's a quick way to meet older students who can give you useful advice. Also, start building relationships with your professors right away. In education, who you know can be just as important as your GPA for getting placements and recommendations.
Get into the habit of organizing your time now. Balancing coursework with early classroom hours will give you a taste of what teaching is really like.
Join your school's education club or student teacher association as soon as possible. It's a quick way to meet older students who can give you useful advice. Also, start building relationships with your professors right away. In education, who you know can be just as important as your GPA for getting placements and recommendations.
Get into the habit of organizing your time now. Balancing coursework with early classroom hours will give you a taste of what teaching is really like.