Start substituting!
One thing that all education majors can do to gain more formality is to start substitute teaching. Look into the application process for schools around your college or near your hometown when you are home for breaks. Not only is this a great way to build moreÂ
Confidence in managing a group of students but you can also earn some money, which is a huge plus. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, then there’s also the fact that you can add this to your resume, and the more experience you have the better when applying for any job.Â
Build relationships with professorsÂ
Most of your education professors have likely had experience working in classrooms before becoming a professor, so they have lived through many experiences that you can learn from. Even if that is not the case, they have been working with other future teachers like you, and have plenty of insight to offer. So don’t be afraid to go to your professor’s “office hours” or stay after class to chat about something you found interesting in a reading. Much of college is about making connections and networking, so connect with these intelligent people in your future career field while you still have the opportunity. You never know when you might need a push in the right direction or help with something and you want to have people you can turn to to receive that help from.Â
Watch teachers onlineÂ
Whether it’s on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, there are countless teachers online who make content all about teaching. This is a great way to get a glimpse into the real lives of teachers and what their day-to-day lives are like. You can also find super fun ideas for activities that students will love. This can also be a way to find help with specific problems you might be facing in your classroom and see how other teachers have handled them. The online community for educators is truly amazing and powerful!Â
Familiarize yourself with current kids’ booksÂ
I’m sure we all have our favorite books we remember reading as kids, and while those are great it’s important to be open to change and new ideas as well. There are so many talented authors and illustrators out there who write stories that cover a multitude of topics from silly lighthearted ideas to more intense important issues. Next time you’re at the library or bookstore browse the children’s section and see what they have to offer; you might find your new favorite book!
Have an open mind!Â
My last and most important piece of advice I can give to all education majors out there is to have an open mind. College is a time for trying new things and figuring yourself out, so don’t get stuck on one idea and miss out on having new experiences. Maybe you think you could only ever teach kindergarten and hate fifth grade with a passion, but why not try out fifth grade while the stakes are still low? The worst that can happen is that you’ll prove yourself right and reinforce that you don’t want to work with that grade, but the best thing could also happen: where you fall in love with a grade you never thought you would. Going along with that same idea, try working in different areas like special education, regular education, or AIS if your degree certifies you for all of those content areas. Â
I hope these tips help you on your journey to becoming a successful teacher, I know they have helped me on mine so far!