Hey friends!
A phrase, if you're like me, that is way too familiar and comes out of your mouth too often than not, after having spent the last four years of college pursuing a degree in education.
This time last year, I was like you, entering my final semester of college and my final block of student teaching. That last semester was honestly one of the fastest and craziest times for me. This last semester you have to accomplish the most, and this is the last chance to prove that you are capable of being the great teacher that you are! Not only that, you've got to take the state licensing tests, finalize your resume, AND apply and interview for jobs! This is on top of your coursework, and student teaching, and personal responsibilities.
100 % the most stressful semester of my college career.
(Man, I'm making this semester sound super exciting, aren't I?)
But hey, this semester is one of the most exciting and rewarding out of all them. Student teaching is literally the best experiences, and my second semester was my favorite out of both of my two semesters of student teaching.
After having somehow successfully survived this semester, and in the following months, I want to share some advice and personal thoughts with graduating teachers. While this is a rewarding semester, it's also an extremely stressful and at times - mentally and emotionally draining one, as well as the following months. It won't stay that way though.
I still haven't made your last semester sound fun, or any less stressful, have I?
Here are some things that I wish I knew coming into this semester, and wish I had someone telling me – besides my mom – because sometimes, you need an outside voice telling you the important things.
Don't Put Off Taking Your State Licensing Tests
Start studying now.
Make an attempt on some of the tests as soon as possible. A lot of the information you already know, especially in the general study areas. The sooner you start prepping and taking the tests you need to take, the sooner you can be done and focus on other important things!
Make sure to also check on how the long the waiting period is between retaking tests. If your state is like Indiana, there is a month waiting period between another attempt.
If you get notepaper or whiteboards with your test to do your work on, always write yourself an encouraging and positive note to look at throughout the test. (Because you've got this!)
Prep, Prep, Prep
When you find a school that you want to work for and get an interview, PREP SO HARD!
Research the district and the school like you were writing a paper on it.
Get an interview prep resource from your school or from TeachersPayTeachers.com. Find resources that ask you typical interview questions. Don't forget to study this the morning of your interview!
Make sure to bring spare resumes, recommendation letters from your professors/mentor teachers/bosses, and any questions that you have for the interviewers about the job, school, and district.
Also #TreatYoSelf to a great interview outfit! Figure out that perfect hair and makeup look that you feel confident and make you feel like you could conquer a nation. (Personally, a good red lip always helps.)
Make sure you arrive at the interview with extra time to sit in your car so that you can review notes, maybe cry a little bit, and then bring that confidence back up with your power jam / pump up song.
Always eat breakfast and treat yourself to Starbucks afterward, no matter how it went.
Never Be Afraid to Bomb Interviews
Oomph.
Boy, when I started interviewing for classroom positions, I did not do well.
I did my prep, I had my outfit, I was prepared. But sometimes when you're in the interview, you forget what you wanted to say or phrased it the wrong way, and you don't get the job. Sometimes you also do a great job in the interview, and still don't get the job.
Don't let this affect your idea about how good of a teacher you are. Just because you don't land the job or do well in the interview, does not mean that you are a bad educator.
It might be silly to have to say that, but this is important for you to remember that you are super amazing.
It's Okay If You Don't Get A Classroom Right Off the Bat
We are all aiming for a classroom, in one way or another. This is our goal as first-year teachers, but yeah – it sometimes doesn't happen.
I am 7 months out of college, and I still do not have a classroom.
Right before the fall semester began, I had no classroom job offers. My application to a district was spotted by a middle school vice principal who offered me an Instructional Assistant position at their school in a special education classroom. I took the job, excited to learn more about special education and middle school (as a recent elementary ed. graduate). I can definitely say it is the best decision I have ever made.
If you don't get a classroom, I strongly consider applying for an Instructional Assistant or Teaching Assistant position. You get the opportunity to work in a school and be in classrooms, learn different types of teaching styles and techniques from the many teachers you will work with, and work with some amazing students. If you go this route like me, you will learn so much from all the teachers you work with, your students, and you get experience and an into the district you're at.
To the teachers about to graduate, you've made it so far, and you've done amazing work. Continue to work hard, you don't have that much farther to go. Never be afraid to ask for help. Don't be too hard on yourself. Stay in touch with your friends after graduation and once you start your job. Do what is best for you, I'm so proud of you.
