Most days I am excited to be a teacher. I cannot wait! I love working with children. I love their answers, the way they think about things. I love that, for the most part, they see good in the world and enjoy life.
But then I become realistic.
I think about the challenges that will come with this profession.
What about the children who don't see good in the world, because their life has been hard?
What about all the children who just don't get what I am trying to teach?
How do I reach all of the kids in my classroom?
What about classroom sizes that are increasing?
What about budget cuts?
Oh man. I better stop now before I give myself a panic attack. :-)
In all reality, I fear attempting to reach all the students in my class. Everyone from students who have an IEP, to students who have been identified as AIG. Everyone from students who are English Language Learners to students who are performing at grade level. What about students who no matter how hard they work just do not get a concept? What about students who come to school hungry? It seems daunting.
This semester's class has helped abate that class. Our readings, guest lectures, and group discussions have given us a plethora of tips to take into our classrooms.
One book that stood out to me is was the Whelan Ariza book, Not for ESOL Teachers: What Every Classroom Teacher Needs to Know About the Linguistically, Culturally, and Ethically Diverse Students. It gave background information on how students learn a second language. An ELL student may be quiet not because they don't understand what is going on, but because they are in the silent phase of language acquisition.
It also gave information on various cultures we may encounter. Last semester I kept thinking, "but how do I know all about these cultures?" And this book gave some great overviews that could come in handy.
I also enjoyed that it helped me understand how an ELL student might feel, registering for school, trying to get around, etc.
This book just helped me immensely.
So fellow, pre-service teachers... what are you fears? What resources have we been given that help you?
Jaye P - I am right there with you on the emotional roller coaster. One minute I am excited about being a teacher (especially after the field experiences) but than I look at reality and become paralyzed with fear and doubt. The last thing I want to do is make the wrong lasting impression on a child. There are so many things that go into teaching that we've learned in the past two semesters, that I feel teaching the material is not the main job. We'll have to wear many hats but we will be prepared. So take a deep breathe, you'll be fine.
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