Completing my second-year university practicum advisor role has been rewarding. It’s an opportunity to share my knowledge and skills to prepare new teachers to use diverse instructional practices and evaluation procedures that support today’s learners—reflecting upon my experiences and continuing to learn and grow as I provide learning opportunities for myself and others has been worthwhile this year.
Students learn best when they feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings and valued. For those reasons, my teacher candidates took the time to plan and establish a positive, responsive classroom community. Every student needs to know that they are a significant part of the class and that their voice matters. Creating a nurturing environment where there is respect amongst the students and the teacher makes the classroom where everyone can succeed. I was most proud of my TCs this year, who met the required practicum expectation outcomes.
One of the most essential members of a classroom is the teacher. Each day requires unlimited effort between knowing the content, caring for the students, and managing the classroom. Teachers teach their students the curriculum and serve as positive role models for their students.
I noted my teacher candidates’ strengths and areas they needed to spend more time on and provided suggestions and opportunities for reflection. They implemented lesson plans and collaborated with their mentor teachers to promote student success. I observed them and offered ideas on various classroom management strategies, curriculum implementation, and activities for the learners to grasp. At the beginning of their practicum, TCs learned about their mentor teachers’ willingness to go above and beyond and their eagerness always to teach.
Teacher candidates’ practicums allowed them the freedom to grow into the teachers they hoped to be. They were encouraged to inspire hope, ignite imagination and foster a love of learning in all students who entered the school doors. Excellent teachers have techniques that can design unique lesson plans, manage their classes well and adapt their lessons when needed. Teachers love what they teach, and there is a stronger bond with students when there is enthusiasm. They accept all their students, recognize that each has something unique to bring into the classroom, and are compassionate and caring about their students’ learning.
Additionally, teachers are helpful to their students, constantly encourage them to improve, and give them incentives to keep succeeding. Great teachers reflect on their practice, and in turn, they grow as well. It was another year of success working alongside teacher candidates and mentor teachers.
Teacher candidates have observed with surprise and relished the number of experienced teachers who still possessed a deep passion for teaching, which is vital, yet managed everyday demands while remaining motivated and empowered, allowing them to be their best selves. The zest and the belief in the value of teaching and learning remind us of the motivations for becoming a teacher and maintaining enthusiasm.
My message to the 2023-2024 teacher candidates included a warm welcome to a great profession. The passion for teaching and dedication to their students will make a difference in their lives. Using different technologies in the classroom and other resources assists in imparting and developing vital skills and knowledge that lead students to think critically and creatively. Collaboration with staff and active involvement beyond the school, including coaching and running a club, creates positive collegial relationships and makes learning in school meaningful.
Uncommon Beauty in Writing 