4 answers
ella
Student
Wheatfield, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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how can you be successful as an elementary teacher?
I don’t what to have to worry about thing while doing to the job I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was little.
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4 answers
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Ella, the fact that you haven't wavered from this dream says a lot about your potential for success. I spent twenty seven years at the college level, and years before that in the field, training people to become teachers. I could write a book in answer to your question, but I'll try to stop myself.
The first question is, what does "success" mean to you? Some people see it as their title or status, the money they make, the evaluations they receive from administrators, the grades their students score or how quiet they can keep their class. Those, to me, are not what makes a successful teacher. What constitutes success is having, to the very best of your ability, reached each and every one of your students where they are individually and helped them grow in all aspects to the best of their abilities. I emphasize "to the very best of your ability" because that would be a tall order even without over-large class sizes and a system that too often works against good teachers. That's all the more reason, if you care, to try. You must keep researching and questioning, because there are better ways to teach than those that are most often taught and practiced here. Read books of inspiration by the likes of Jonathan Kozol, William Ayers, Leo Buscaglia, Robert Fulghum, Lilian Katz, Parker Palmer and Sylvia Ashton Warner, among many others. Learn about "the project approach" and how you can teach creatively while still meeting the expectations, often unfair and stifling as they may be, placed on both teachers and students. Go to YouTube and watch the videos "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd and "Flowers Are Red" by Harry Chapin. You'll be planting seeds and saving lives. No one remembers how well their teacher taught letters and numbers and "lessons," let alone the things that poison our educational system: worksheets, homework and standardized tests. What they remember are teachers who cared about them and made them feel safe to make mistakes, explore their own interests and be themselves.
The first question is, what does "success" mean to you? Some people see it as their title or status, the money they make, the evaluations they receive from administrators, the grades their students score or how quiet they can keep their class. Those, to me, are not what makes a successful teacher. What constitutes success is having, to the very best of your ability, reached each and every one of your students where they are individually and helped them grow in all aspects to the best of their abilities. I emphasize "to the very best of your ability" because that would be a tall order even without over-large class sizes and a system that too often works against good teachers. That's all the more reason, if you care, to try. You must keep researching and questioning, because there are better ways to teach than those that are most often taught and practiced here. Read books of inspiration by the likes of Jonathan Kozol, William Ayers, Leo Buscaglia, Robert Fulghum, Lilian Katz, Parker Palmer and Sylvia Ashton Warner, among many others. Learn about "the project approach" and how you can teach creatively while still meeting the expectations, often unfair and stifling as they may be, placed on both teachers and students. Go to YouTube and watch the videos "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd and "Flowers Are Red" by Harry Chapin. You'll be planting seeds and saving lives. No one remembers how well their teacher taught letters and numbers and "lessons," let alone the things that poison our educational system: worksheets, homework and standardized tests. What they remember are teachers who cared about them and made them feel safe to make mistakes, explore their own interests and be themselves.
Thank you so much, Alan!
ella
Good luck, Ella. If you want to continue the communication, add a comment.
Alan Weber
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
180
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
I might not have pursued teaching, but I can share that success often comes from dedication and a love for what you do. Focus on building strong connections with your students, staying organized, and continuing to learn and improve your teaching methods. Embrace the journey, and you'll find the fulfillment you've always wanted in your dream job.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ella !
I am very pleased to offer you some advice on becoming an elementary school teacher. I have observed many successful elementary school teachers, the most important one to me was my own mother.
I believe by observation and experience interacting with teachers in elementary school that I have seen people become successful by the knowledge they share and what comes from the heart - your personality. My mom had a sincere blend of these abilities - plus fun - as she always took her students on class trips. She substituted for many, many years and then started working full time as a Kindergarten teacher. For two years she taught second grade. I even had her for a substitute teacher on occasion which was pretty cool.
To be a success, you, of course, go to college and study Education. You will never stop learning. You also need to be licensed and certified for CPR and Heimlich in Indiana. In your state of Indiana, you must also complete suicide prevention training as well. Once you obtain a job as a teacher, you will continue to engage in learning by going to trainings, conferences, workshops and things of that nature. You will keep updated each year about changes and new things in your school district. This is how you become a success.
If you want your students to consider you a memorable and beneficial teacher, there are some personality traits that will help. You must foster confidence in your students and build trust. A good teacher takes the effort and persists in helping students at their own pace as this will help the student to become receptive and like school. You would always give reassurance to your students for whatever concern they have and have learned how to manage a classroom - you never know how many students you'll have before being a teacher so you must be prepared beforehand. Explain the rules, create a routine and think of a seating pattern for the children that works for both students and teacher.
You will learn so much majoring in Education in college that you will understand the ways to become successful, what works and what doesn't work. I hope this has been of some help and something to think about. I wish you all the best in your studies.
I am very pleased to offer you some advice on becoming an elementary school teacher. I have observed many successful elementary school teachers, the most important one to me was my own mother.
I believe by observation and experience interacting with teachers in elementary school that I have seen people become successful by the knowledge they share and what comes from the heart - your personality. My mom had a sincere blend of these abilities - plus fun - as she always took her students on class trips. She substituted for many, many years and then started working full time as a Kindergarten teacher. For two years she taught second grade. I even had her for a substitute teacher on occasion which was pretty cool.
To be a success, you, of course, go to college and study Education. You will never stop learning. You also need to be licensed and certified for CPR and Heimlich in Indiana. In your state of Indiana, you must also complete suicide prevention training as well. Once you obtain a job as a teacher, you will continue to engage in learning by going to trainings, conferences, workshops and things of that nature. You will keep updated each year about changes and new things in your school district. This is how you become a success.
If you want your students to consider you a memorable and beneficial teacher, there are some personality traits that will help. You must foster confidence in your students and build trust. A good teacher takes the effort and persists in helping students at their own pace as this will help the student to become receptive and like school. You would always give reassurance to your students for whatever concern they have and have learned how to manage a classroom - you never know how many students you'll have before being a teacher so you must be prepared beforehand. Explain the rules, create a routine and think of a seating pattern for the children that works for both students and teacher.
You will learn so much majoring in Education in college that you will understand the ways to become successful, what works and what doesn't work. I hope this has been of some help and something to think about. I wish you all the best in your studies.
Gavin Fulmer
Research Scientist
7
Answers
Decatur, Georgia
Updated
Gavin’s Answer
Success can be interpreted in two ways. Your choices are affected by the definition you prefer.
The first interpretation is practical: it's about the salary. Your income as a teacher is influenced by both policies and your personal qualifications and experience. State and district policies determine the starting salary, which varies greatly depending on factors such as cost of living, state budget, local budget votes, school board budget, etc. If you're open to relocating, you have the advantage of choosing from a wider range of job opportunities at the end of your teacher certification.
Your qualifications and experience also matter. Most districts offer a salary scale that increases with each year of experience and additional training, like a Master's degree or other relevant coursework. This system motivates teachers to stay in the profession and to continue growing.
Once you have a few locations in mind where you'd like to work and live, it's beneficial to research the needs of that district to make yourself a more desirable candidate. For instance, if the district's website highlights their investment in immersive bilingual education programs, or if their job postings list this as a "preferred qualification," you might consider taking relevant courses during your teacher training program.
The second interpretation of success is ethical: it's about making a difference in the lives of students and communities. Another response has already provided valuable insights on this topic, so there's no need to repeat them.
Decide where you might be willing to live.
Research the state and district pay scales in those areas.
Learn about district needs to identify relevant skills you can develop.
The first interpretation is practical: it's about the salary. Your income as a teacher is influenced by both policies and your personal qualifications and experience. State and district policies determine the starting salary, which varies greatly depending on factors such as cost of living, state budget, local budget votes, school board budget, etc. If you're open to relocating, you have the advantage of choosing from a wider range of job opportunities at the end of your teacher certification.
Your qualifications and experience also matter. Most districts offer a salary scale that increases with each year of experience and additional training, like a Master's degree or other relevant coursework. This system motivates teachers to stay in the profession and to continue growing.
Once you have a few locations in mind where you'd like to work and live, it's beneficial to research the needs of that district to make yourself a more desirable candidate. For instance, if the district's website highlights their investment in immersive bilingual education programs, or if their job postings list this as a "preferred qualification," you might consider taking relevant courses during your teacher training program.
The second interpretation of success is ethical: it's about making a difference in the lives of students and communities. Another response has already provided valuable insights on this topic, so there's no need to repeat them.
Gavin recommends the following next steps: