My Journey as an Elementary School Educator
Part two of my teacher journey ☺️
4 years went by and I was no where near sight close to graduation with my ASSOCIATES DEGREE‼️
I talked to my Spanish teacher who happened to be an advisor (not my advisor though) and she discovered that my plan of study had not been updated and I took 15 credit hours OVER!! WHAT NOW⁉️
We got to the bottom of it all and she updated my plan of study and turned out I only needed 6 more credit hours to graduate with my BACHELORS in arts (modern languages). I cried of happiness! I could not believe it!
Fast forward to my last semester of college. I was able to graduate with my associates and bachelors degree at the same time. AMAZING🤩 next step was to get my career started.
Oh my did I not know ANYTHING about becoming a teacher!
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher but I had no guidance in this. Not even my college advisor was help. Here I was months before graduation and I just found out that I needed a teacher certification to teach. I know, I know, how could I not know this!? Sounds silly but I am a first generation college student who was finding her way. I had faced many obstacles and being shy did not help. Through this experience I learned to speak up and not be afraid to ask questions, even when I get crazy glares from judgmental people.
I applied to 5 different schools to teach and they all required a teaching certificate 🤦🏻♀️ “What do I do now!?” I thought.
I graduated UNG May 2022. June 2022 I married the love of my life. A week after we got married, I got a phone call from my present employer regarding a paraprofessional position available at the school. I SWEAR I manifested this!! My husband and I drove past that school and I looked at it and I said out loud, “ They said they’d call me. They sounded interested in me. I hope they will call me. When I walked in that school it felt right. It felt like home.”
Like for part 3☺️
#lemon8diarychallenege #lemon8teachers #teachertips #lemon8challenge #lemon8contest #lemon8contentcreator #storytime #part2ofmystory
Navigating the journey to become an educator can be an uphill battle, especially for first-generation college students who may lack guidance and support. Many aspiring teachers face unique obstacles, from understanding academic requirements to obtaining teaching certifications. It's important to actively seek help from mentors and peers, as they can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Learning to advocate for oneself is a crucial step in overcoming challenges in education. Sharing experiences, such as revising educational plans or discovering crucial requirements late in the game, can resonate with many in similar situations. Transitioning from student to teacher requires not just academic knowledge but also emotional resilience and a deep commitment to personal growth. For those looking to enter the education field, connecting with communities, leveraging online resources, and seeking out workshops can help build essential skills and confidence. Engaging with fellow educators and involving oneself in teacher support networks can foster a sense of belonging and reinforce the importance of collaboration in education. This journey is not just about academic achievements, but also about growth, patience, and the drive to make a difference in the lives of students. Ultimately, every educator's path is unique, filled with its own trials and triumphs that enrich their teaching experience.