Chapter 1 Response to: Concerns With Becoming a Teacher

by April

It's funny that we both quoted the same thing about how we can become good beginning teachers. Seeing that we share a lot of the same fears makes me realize that we're probably not alone. I think the good thing about being afraid is that we are probably more open to learning new things. If we had absolute confidence in our teaching skills and our knowledge, we probably wouldn't feel we have much to learn. I, on the other hand, feel I have a ridiculous amount to learn and therefore intend to do everything I can to learn as much as I can. I think fear can be a good thing. Not only that, but it seems that our concerns over being a good teacher reveal our respect for the profession, and that's a good thing too. One great thing is, we are developing friendships with the same people who will be beginning teachers at the same time we are so hopefully our relationships will continue into the professional realm and we will be able to be supportive and collaborative colleagues.

I like that you pointed out the fact that every child is unique and even from year to year our classrooms full of students won't look exactly the same. Flexibility and adaptability are hugely important skills for teachers to learn.