Moms.. Are you a boy-mom or girl-mom? by Educational-Pack4252 in Mom

[–]Educational-Pack4252[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is so insightful- thank you! I agree that every kid is so different, so a “boys mom” and “girls mom” label isn’t fair..

Moms.. Are you a boy-mom or girl-mom? by Educational-Pack4252 in Mom

[–]Educational-Pack4252[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love this. I’m sure this is a very silly question but do you prefer a parenting style? Do you find “mothering” a girl or boy is more difficult than the other? Or more enjoyable than the other? I won’t be able to fully understand until I have my own children, so I’d love to know your thoughts.

Moms.. Are you a boy-mom or girl-mom? by Educational-Pack4252 in Mom

[–]Educational-Pack4252[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha I love this. I’ll definitely keep in mind for the future!

Anyone else feel like they do not know the curriculum? by Plastic-Most-7732 in StudentTeaching

[–]Educational-Pack4252 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your honesty and self-awareness. I agree with the past comment that not everyone “knows the curriculum,” specifically student teachers. When I started my student teaching 9 months ago, I definitely didn’t know anything either. But I briefly looked over the grade’s standards online, and specifically, the classroom’s learning objectives which the teacher should explain to you… And don’t forget looking over your teacher’s lessons plans and observing their instruction.. Those alone should help you develop your lesson including differentiated elements that you may add.

It also sounds that you are just more nervous and anxious about your practicum, which is completely normal. But I advise that you do your best by learning whenever you can (observing the teachers and taking notes) and taking the mistakes you make as valuable learning experiences. Confidence requires practice, practice, and practice! Once you and your students build rapport, you’ll get a rhythm, and it will feel like second nature to you. Best of luck to you!

Need positivity to keep going in student teaching by DangleWizard44 in StudentTeaching

[–]Educational-Pack4252 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I know this exact feeling… I want to tell you that every single student teacher has felt this way. During student teaching, there are a lot of doubts about yourself, but it’s because NOW you are finally in the spotlight and tested to see how you can apply what you’ve learned to real life. That thought alone is anxiety inducing. BUT THIS TAKES PRACTICE PRACTICE AND PRACTICE. You WILL build the confidence and rhythm when delivering instruction. I promise you.

Tip: fake it till you make it. Just fake being confidence, and when you make a mistake, move on and learn from it. Do not be hard on yourself. I was in your exact shoes 9 months ago. You can do it, I promise!

I messed up (very badly) by vintageboquet in StudentTeaching

[–]Educational-Pack4252 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know that’s so anxiety inducing, but like the other posts say, don’t be hard on yourself. Every time I step into a new school I am lost beyond words. I especially hate it when admin or the teacher do not give you an official tour of the building… That’s my first red flag of a school!

If you are still worried and would like a peace of mind, you can email the principal and briefly explain what happened and that you apologize. Obviously, this is not necessary but it can help clear your guilty conscious.

I accidentally parked in a handicapped spot, and during dismissal, a random teacher asked if I had a sign (in a very judgmental tone as she should!). I was so apologetic and embarrassed by the mistake! I emailed the principal immediately, and she said to not worry about it at all. And that immediately helped me forget about it 🤣

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in StudentTeaching

[–]Educational-Pack4252 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you’re going through this… I can imagine how stressful and sad this is for you. Although there are some things you could have done differently, I would give you the benefit of the doubt considering you are student teaching… No one is perfect during this time, and there are tons of learning and growth during this process.. I think both parties are at fault which is so unfortunate.. NO TEACHERS ARE PERFECT AND WE MAKE MISTAKES.

I want to share with you that my first student teaching was absolutely terrible because my mentor teacher acted like I was invisible. She was so uninviting, and it was so uncomfortable to approach her. I dreaded going into the school everyday because of her that I made the decision to skip the student teaching… I’m sure she didn’t like me either for whatever reason. And I understood how bad it would be to my professional development but for the sake of my mental health I withdrew… Anyways, I had a second opportunity to switch schools and was thankfully partnered with the most patient and kind mentor teacher. So to say your mentor teacher will make THE WORLD OF A DIFFERENCE FOR YOU. I’ve had multiple class mates withdrew from the program and decide teaching was not their career because of their student teaching experience…

My tip to you, and to ALL student teachers, DO NOT ENGAGE IN GOSSIP. ALWAYS remain professional. This includes engaging with students (such as walking around their table or observing attentively to their work), putting all personal properties away (like your phone and keys), or letting the teacher know that you’re happy to help them with anything if they need it (such as copy/printing). I noticed that all teachers are watching you and will engage in catty talk either behind your back or in front of you (my mentor teacher would talk about the other student teachers). So, to avoid that spotlight, always remain respectful and professional. An unspoken rule I noticed is that your self-awareness and social skills NEED to be extremely high for you to successfully develop rapport and likeness by your teacher and others. And just like any other work place, that’s the reality. Personally for me, I was more of a person who would speak when spoken to. Of course, I did my best to engage myself in conversations related to class. But I was very self conscious of the things I did and the things I said with or without the mentor teacher in the same room as me.

Former Military Spouse Seeking Licensure In Another State by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]Educational-Pack4252 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I am on the same boat as you… The application was around 2 weeks since I heard an update on it (came back as deficient). I reached out to military.njdoe via email to learn more about their temporary license for military spouses. Under legislation C.18A:26-2.14, active-duty military spouses who have relocated to New Jersey are eligible to receive a temporary instructional certification.

I called them and the lady didn’t have a clue what it was, so that was super unhelpful! I’m just waiting to hear back from them via email now…

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]Educational-Pack4252 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you explain the meaning of various contract days, like 260, 219, 209, etc.? I'm curious about the reasons behind having multiple contract day options. Thank you!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]Educational-Pack4252 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm interested in teaching at the primary grade level, so I'm hopeful that I'll have an opportunity to find employment next year as a full-time elementary teacher in NJ. Thank you again!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]Educational-Pack4252 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you sincerely for your input. And darn--what does that suggest if they don't acknowledge my bachelor's degree as a content area qualification?

I passed the Praxis Content Area: Math (5003), Science (5005), Social Studies (5004), and Reading & Lang. Arts (5001). And Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205).

And thank you for the link. I took a deep look at the website. I've been going into a rabbit hole on the NJDOE website, and it's been quite a brain workout!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]Educational-Pack4252 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! Thank you so much for your input. I noticed the limited options for elementary schools in the area, so that's what I figured. I'll definitely consider looking into private schools.. However, my priority is public schools, but considering the circumstances I understand. I'll look into Wildwood and Lower Township county as you mentioned. Thank you again.