Jade
What are personal stories of success or struggles that you have gone through while teaching?
I am a senior in high school and I am genuinely interested in becoming a Kindergarten teacher. I am asking this question to individual people who are or have been teachers. I am just wondering if there are any stories that you could share about a moment when you felt successful, or felt like you could do better. I would very much like to know, in the case of struggles, how you dealt with those struggles? Any input would be absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much. #teaching #school #success #early-childhood-education #kindergarten
3 answers
Lou Tamposi
Lou’s Answer
I taught 7th grade ELA for two years through Teach for America. One of the biggest challenges I faced was a lack of enthusiasm for school in some of my students. It's disheartening to see bright kids who have already "given up" on school - whether because of bad grades, bad teachers, or something else. To overcome this, I tried to be more than just a "teacher," but also a friend and mentor to my kids. I found that by making connections - clothes, music, cars, a good book, whatever! - I was able to get kids engaged in my class, which sometimes (not always) could translate to others.
Alyx Campbell
Alyx’s Answer
Hi Jade,
I currently work at an elementary school doing literacy instruction for struggling readers. I think that some of the top struggles for teachers are a lack of resources/money, navigating relationships with administration, and schools focused on data.
You can find many queries of experiences online with teachers. Here is one article that addresses struggles for first year teachers: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ773848.pdf OR http://www.interventioncentral.org/behavioral-interventions/challenging-students/dodging-power-struggle-trap-ideas-teachers
Thank you very much for your response! :~)
Jade
Maija Klees
Maija’s Answer
It comes with a "lifetime" commitment of correcting at home at night and planning and teaching is nothing like the course work leading up to it. I personally had a really terrible student teaching experience. I was ready to leave the profession. I am glad I didn't! It is amazing to see the kids grow and blossom! Also to know that some of that progress might be because you made a difference. An you might not know for years if you made a positive difference. I cannot imagine doing anything different.