As an education major, one is required to do so many hours of field work each semester. This means that each semester I have to go into schools and observe the teachers in the classroom. It is a weird experience, being on the other side of the desk. As a part of my field work, I did a mentoring/tutoring program, too. From both experiences, I have learned so much. Here are the five major lessons I have learned so far from my field work.
1. Caffeine is a vital part of my ability to function.
I have never been one of those people that needed a cup of coffee before talking to people. After several days of waking up at or before 6 a.m., I now need at least one cup in order to be a fully functioning human being. Some days I need one cup of coffee and some days I need three cups of tea, it all depends on the day. I cannot believe I used to scoff at the idea of drinking coffee, when I now desperately need it. Also, drinking it in the early mornings before field work is my 'me time' for the day until I come back, go to classes, do homework and papers, go to meetings and then collapse on my bed.
2. Teachers really have to 'roll with the punches'.A teacher can have their entire week planned out with discussions, tests, and assignments, and it can all get screwed up because the circus came to school (not literally, but that is probably what it feels like). One of the teachers I observed gave me the best advice I have ever heard concerning being a teacher and that is, "Teaching is 1 percent organization and 99 percent improv." Yes, it is great to be organized and have everything planned, but that is only part of the process. Having the ability to be flexible when a situation arises that messes up your plans is more important.
3. Your mind is always going.
Whether it be trying to come up with creative ways for the students to learn, thinking of alternative examples or ways to keep the discussion going, a teacher's mind never rests. I noticed how quick on your feet you need to be and how a curve-ball can be thrown your way at any minute. Sometimes a student just simply does not understand what is being taught and the teacher needs to be able to come up with a way to make it click for them.
4. Teachers do make an impact on their students.
My friends and I were given different tutoring/mentoring assignments for our field work and while talking to them we all realized how much of an impact teachers make on their students. While in our tutoring/mentoring programs we were all seen as teachers and every time we went to our assigned schools, the students were excited. While talking to the students, they would talk about their favorite teachers or what they learned that day. Teachers do make an impact on their students' lives and teach them different lessons, ones that they can use in and out of the classroom.
5. I really do want to be a teacher.
After my observations and field work these past two semesters, I realized that I really do want to pursue a career in Education. I want to be a teacher. I loved interacting with students during my field work and I cannot wait to do more observations and eventually student teaching. Seeing how a teacher can impact their students is incredibly inspiring and that is what I want to do. Watching teachers help their students in and out of the classroom and work until their students understand something is amazing.
