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Akira
Student
Bolton, Mississippi
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Question
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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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Sonjanita L. Moore
Adjunct Professor
19
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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.