For the Student Teacher

My little sister will begin student teaching in February! I am SO proud of her. She has worked so hard to get to this point and I can't wait for her to finally see all of that hard work pay off! As we talk about her student teaching, I find myself wanting to give her 5 million tips from my student teaching experience (and now 1.5 years teaching). I've held back because I know she doesn't need my help, but I decided to write a blog about it anyways. Now she can read them if she wants, but I'm not being her "second mother"... At least not this time. Here are a few things to consider:

• Teaching is exhausting in ways you may not be expecting. Your students quickly become your kids - you will love them, you will take care of them, you will desire their success, much like a parent might. I believe this is one of the best and hardest parts of teaching. Because just like every child does a parent, your students will let you down. Your students will not always appreciate your care, will not always meet expectations, etc. This part of teaching is what you can't prepare for - the emotional exhaustion - the part that refuses to let your heart rest.
• Teaching is exhausting physically. Your feet won't hurt so much after the first week or so :) But expect them to hurt again come January and again in August - it's amazing how quickly our bodies change and adapt. The same goes for your voice - it will be hoarse and scratchy at the beginning, but this too shall pass. On that note, invest in a good water bottle and USE IT!
• Some kids will love you (and want to please you) because you are young; others will test you (and want to make life more difficult) for the same reason. Be thankful for the priors and patient with the latters.
• You can't do a fancy project or activity EVERY lesson. One of my advisers suggested to have a goal of one "fancy thing" per week. Once you're keeping your boat afloat while doing that you can start adding more.
• Pick a lesson planning format and stick to it. I truly believe that colleges and teacher prep programs teach you "rules" for lesson planning SO that you can BREAK them. Your lesson plan has to work for YOU.
• Your "To Do" list is never ending. It doesn't matter if it's September or June, there is always "just one more thing." Learn to set boundaries and stick to them. Learn to take breaks and rest.

 Kayla is going to LOVE teaching, I just know it. Furthermore I think (in my professional opinion, haha) that she will be very good at it. There are some pre-K and 2nd grade kids who are in for a blessing and they don't even know her name yet! I can't wait to hear all about this fantastic journey! I love you, baby girl. I am so proud of you!