Note to My Past Self

Online Reflection #6

An important note to my past self:

Entering our last year of the teaching program is perhaps one of the most exhilarating yet terrifying things, we have encountered. As I have now survived it and am currently working on our last assignment to obtain our BA I have some advice to help you through.

Surviving the KPTP, PLT, and Praxis

Undoubtedly, we were scared about these assessments most. These assessments can not only make or break your ability to obtain a teaching license, but they can weigh heavily on a student teachers’ wallet. It’s critical that you prepare well in advance for all assessments.

For the KPTP, start it in core 3. This proved beneficial because I was not rushed in the end and I feel I was able to give it the full attention it needed. I’m not going to lie, it is a hefty portfolio and you will question everything you put in it, but if you are consistent with your work you will survive it. Make sure you proofread. It’s a lot to review so chunk it up. I learned this the hard way. There are certain things I would like to correct, but what’s done is done so make sure you give yourself enough time in the end to review it… several times. Thoroughly.  

Prior to taking the PLT and the Praxis I was most worried about the Praxis but trust yourself because after taking it, I felt the most difficult was the PLT. Ultimately, they both ended up not being as bad as I had envisioned. However, in my mind, I rate the PLT a bit more difficult because it wasn’t as clear cut as the English content test. Regardless, if you continue to read all the readings and participate in class then reflect, you will be fine. Oh, and study of course, but this piece of advice should go without saying. Using the study books specifically intended for each test worked well. Have faith in yourself and the knowledge you have gained throughout the teaching program. It is set-up well for us to succeed.

Finally, brace yourself! It is going to feel like the KPTP and PLT results take foreeever. Unfortunately, I don’t have advice for that so, just brace yourself.

Survival Guidance

The easy tips for surviving core 3 and 4 would be to smile often, be organized, ask questions, be early – not on time, be prepared, be flexible, and reflect often. The simple fact of that is, that would not be enough advice and I feel we should know so much more.

To begin with, research your placement school. It was beneficial to walk in day one knowing the awesome things your school is doing as well as their demographics, and mission statement.

Show initiative. This includes communicating with your administration. Contact them, in person or via email, and ask to be observed. After the observation, seek out their feedback and by all means, follow-up once again with a thank you note. I’ve learned that thank you notes are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Also, send them to other teachers you collaborate with, borrow from, and observe as well.

A go-to bag was also beneficial. This bag contains ibuprofen, deodorant, gum, snacks, water, lotion, a cardigan and anything else you think you might need like additional pens and pencils.

Keep those special notes students write or draw for you. These are special gifts that mean a lot to them, but they will never have any idea how very much they mean to us. Hang on to these not only because they are special mementos, but also because these mementos can be the thing that pushes through on rough days. Rough days happen, and it’s nice to be reminded of our why by pulling these out.

And finally, talk with your MT before Christmas break about the unit you will be planning and teaching in core 4. This way you can plan your unit over Christmas break and enter core 4 prepared and still leave yourself time to work on and complete your KPTP. Also, when you’re planning that unit don’t forget to account for library days. I totally missed that, and it threw off my timeline. Ultimately, the timeline part is minute though, because things like field trips, testing days, fire drills, and so much more throws off the timeline. This is why being flexible was also listed above.

Self-Care

This is listed last for advice, but please don’t think it’s not that important. Taking care of you is super important and a lesson learned earlier on as stated in a previous blog. Take as many Sunday’s off as you can. Yes, we work and do homework on the weekends, but taking those Sundays for yourself and family is beneficial beyond measure. Step away from the hustle and bustle just breathe.

Lean on your support group. Building friendships throughout the teaching program has been an added bonus to our education. What started out as a group of 5 people – The Peeps – and still remains intact today, has been built on to include our content core members which now totals 15 awesome people. Continue your monthly lunches with The Peeps. I will never be able to express to them how thankful I am, but I’m grateful beyond measure for their friendship.

I couldn't have said it better than these lyrics from Vitamin C's, "Friends Forever"

Most importantly trust in yourself and don’t be so hard on yourself. Nobody is perfect, you are still learning and growing, as we will continue to do… forever. Stay focused, have fun, build relationships, and treasure every moment. It will be over before you know it.

Sincerely,

Future you