Before beginning my time as a resident teacher, my nerves were through the roof. I had a lot of unanswered questions. What would it be like? Would my mentor and I work well together? Would the students like me? Would I fit in at the school site? I was up all night before my first day with these questions swarming through my mind. I was a nervous wreck… However all that has changed now that I have completed over half of my time in the Residency program. I have learned and grown so much since that first day. Many of my nervous questions have been answered, and I feel much more confident in my skills and abilities in teaching. With that being said, I believe everyone gets nervous before the start of this journey, so here are a few things I wish I knew before starting student teaching!
Starting off with a strong relationship with your mentor is important! Meet for coffee before starting, get to know each other on a personal level. The better bond you have with your mentor, the more you will get out of this experience. Your mentor is there to support you in more ways than one, so starting off with a strong bond will enrich this process. Also, this helps when it comes to partner teaching.
Come up with a schedule that fits your needs, and try your best to stick with it! If you have a set schedule, you won’t need to worry about completing your required days; you’ll be completing it by following your schedule! Having a set schedule will make it both easier on you and your mentor to expect when to be there, while also budgeting time to substitute teach on the side. You are your biggest advocate! If you need something, or need assistance with something, you HAVE to speak up! It is important to communicate with those around you in order to make sure you are completing what you need to, while also getting the support you deserve. Sometimes we can get overlooked, so it is important to be your own advocate! Getting involved in the school makes this experience SO much more fun! Go to staff meetings, attend events for students, be at anything and everything you can! The more you show face at these things, the more the staff will get to know you. This is truly how you create bonds with people at your site!
Take advantage of the flexible schedule! You’ll only have this luxury for a short while. Take advantage of the adjustable schedule so that you are meeting both your credential needs, while also meeting your mental health and livelihood needs. If you need to take a day to yourself, do it! Going away for a long weekend? Do it! The beauty of this program is that you get to make it how you want it, so use this flexibility!
Be open–minded! You will learn so much the more you open your mind to experiences! The more you experience, the more your knowledge will be stretched. Observe as much as you can, whether it’s a music class, a PE class, anything that is out of your normal day. You will get the most out of your experience by doing this.
Most of all, ENJOY IT! This time goes so fast, so take time to enjoy the moments. Write down memorable experiences, and make the most of this time. You are going to learn and grow in so many ways, so take it all in!