Is your first year as a teacher extremely difficult?

Question

I'm currently in school for art ed - I should be starting my student teaching next September. I feel totally lost, though! I have no idea what lessons are appropriate for what age level or how to discipline. None of my classes have even gone over how to grade students! They're just throwing us in there when I feel like there's so much more I need to know.

Do these things come to you with experience - like trial and error - or am I getting a substandard education?

Answer 1

Don't be worried if you feel lost right now. Student teaching will be the best thing for you to learn about appropriate lessons, learning about how schools work with grading and that kind of stuff. Just the fact that you are thinking about it almost a year before student teaching shows that you are going to be dedicated to your profession. The first year is hard, but honestly, I have had harder years than my first year was. There are always other teachers who will be new with you, which is great support, and always experienced teachers who will help you learn school procedures. Lesson planning will come along year after year. You'll learn what works and what doesn't and you'll keep trying until you get it right. The best thing about being in the arts (I'm a music teacher) is that we get to reach the kids who have difficulties in every other part of their school day. They may have musical or artistic talent where they are lacking elsewhere. You'll find that to be one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Best of luck!

Answer 2

Student teaching will help you a lot. The mentor teacher you work with will help you. Don't worry about the lessons because schools have a pacing guide to help you decide when and how to teach the state standards. As far as grades go, before you are assigned a class for student teaching the education department of your university will have a short course on assessments which will help with grading. The first year is difficult, but also exciting, and by the second year you'll feel like a pro!!

Answer 3

My first year was bad. All the classes you take in college won't prepare you for the reality of the classroom. That's why student teaching is so valuable. You'll have a mentor teacher who can help you with the things like grades and classroom management. If your college offers a classroom management course, you might want to take it before you graduate.

From my first year I learned that I had to be organized and no-nonsense right from the beginning. In a discipline like art, where some students don't take it seriously, make sure you're prepared to keep the students busy all the time. It does get better as you go along and you learn what works for you. Take advantage of your observation and student teaching time to ask questions and see different teachers work.

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

IMO, most education these days is "substandard"! However, that doesn't mean you can't be an excellent teacher. As some have said before me, your teacher/mentor will be your best bet to gain skills and feedback, vital to your new profession (mine was). Of course, it depends who the teacher is! If you don't feel like you're learning, then the match isn't right. You should receive much feedback, both critical and positive, ideas, hints and above all, the chance not only to teach classes without him/her but to develop lesson plans.

Try not to be discouraged. Preparation, when you DO start to teach is crucial, especially as you start to get a feel for your "Style" of teaching. Remain open to critiques and suggestions from other teachers, administrators and of course, STUDENTS!

If,for example,you keep hearing the same complaint from students, they may be right! Talk to another, more seasoned pro to help you, even after the student teaching phase.

If you truly love teaching, it will show and the kids will take to you. I often used humor to break the ice and even defuse misbehavior or times when I felt I wasn't reaching them.

Above all: LISTEN TO EACH STUDENT! Nowadays, w/inclusion, you have so many different learning styles and needs to meet...it can be overwhelming. Keep parents in the loop, too; they'll appreciate it if you just hear them out and try what they suggest, if possible. DON'T BE RIGID!

It takes awhile, but you will come to be relaxed and then you can REALLY start enjoying teaching!

Good luck.

Answer 5

You are not alone. Almost every teacher goes into their first classroom feeling there's so much they don't know! I learned way more through trial and error than I ever did at the University. Partly, this is because what works for one teacher, may not work for others. Some things remain constant, while other things have to be tweaked and refined by the individual. A teacher who goes in thinking they know everything is arrogant and foolish. Keep your mind open and take criticism without shame. You're new, and it's expected that you'll make mistakes. Just be careful that the mistakes don't harm a child. Your pride will take a few hits, but learn from your mistakes and be willing to try some new ideas. Good luck.

Answer 6

I don't think you are getting a "substandard education" but one that if typical, unfortunately. I don't think it has changed in the nearly 30 years since I got out of college.
You will learn a lot from student teaching, but mostly through experience. Follow the advice to "steal" everything you can. Keep a notebook of ideas you see in other classrooms. If your cooperating teacher will allow, visit other classrooms for ideas. Make copies of everything you can get your hands on.

Most, if not all, states, as well as districts, have standards and indicators to tell you what to teach for each grade level. Subscribe to some professional magazines or journals.

Answer 7

Most education programs are substandard, typically because most of the college professors either taught in the 70's or never taught at all. That being said, you learn mostly on the job. As a student teacher, be a really good thief. Look at all the teachers and steal as many ideas as you can. Try them out, keep what works for you. Bottom line, always be yourself, don't try to play a role, the kids will sense it. Expect stress and confusion for a few years, but once you settle in, it becomes exponentially easier. Good luck.

Answer 8

I am currently mentoring a student teacher intern and wasn't in college too long ago to forget how you feel. Don't stress more than you need to. Your supervising teacher will help you with your lesson planning, how to grade, etc. The most important thing is that no matter where to student teach....show no fear. Sounds funny. But the students always know when you aren't confident. Go in and take charge immediately. Set up your expectations, be fair, be consistent. Don't let them walk all over you.

Answer 9

You have to have a lesson plan. You may want to get with the current teacher whos place you will be taking and see what her lesson plans are. You have to have a Behavioral Management plan for discipline too. You need to go in the classroom and be firm with these kids and don't let up b/c if you do they will be controlling you and the class.

Answer 10

Nearly everything I really needed to know, I learned from my mentor teachers and my own experiences. Get to know not only your mentor teacher, but as many of the other teachers as you can. Depending on the age group, the first year can be very overwhelming, but a wonderful challenge. Plus, you're teaching art. I have never met a kid (except for some of the angst-ridden teens in here) who didn't like art class. Best of luck to you!