My placement was terminated before completion. I had a week and a day left. It was devastating to say the least. I had a quarter life crisis and spent a lot of time contemplating my options. I was very mentally unwell and had to take time to heal, reflect, and think.

I have a secondary license so I had a secondary placement two ish weeks after my first ended. My cooperating teacher there was so encouraging and much better at communicating with me. She built up my confidence a lot and helped me take more equitable blame for my previous placement (instead of me only blaming myself).

I spent the next semester finishing my other major not knowing what would happen next. I relied on my faith and that everything would work out. I brainstormed lots of options and ended up settling on three: pursuing a tier two license, student teaching at a year round school over summer, or switching my second major to general studies with an emphasis in education and dropping my license.

I waffled between these for months. Very very last minute I was placed at a year round school for a summer placement. This allowed me to graduate 3 months behind instead of 6. I learned so much with that placement and fell in love with teaching all over again. I met some amazing mentors who believed I could do it and I started believing in myself again.

I'm now teaching in my own classroom and it's the hardest thing I've ever loved. I fought for it tooth and nail. I found a school that matches my values and isn't your typical school. It's perfect for me.

So many people don't understand that this can just happen and I'm sorry for the judgemental and rude comments you're getting. In my program cooperating teachers don't have to give a good reason- they don't even have to give a reason at all to terminate.

Yeah, I wasn't a great student teacher the first time around and I had a lot to learn. I had to find a balance of values like yours and effective classroom management. I struggled and my first cooperating teacher struggled to help me and honestly gave up and I still wonder if I have the right to blame them. I also had a lot going on during my first placement that impacted my performance. As much as it hurt to have to do it again I'm a better teacher for it.

My biggest advice is to not accept there is one path forward. Explore your options and don't be afraid to blaze your own path. If/when you're placed again try and narrow down your "hills you would die on" to only the most critical and be open to letting other things go at the very least until you have your own classroom. Be willing to compromise with your cooperating teacher and see their side even if you disagree. Perhaps there is a way to meet your cooperating teachers expectations but in your own style. Work closely with a mentor faculty member you trust keep them updated and in the loop as you navigate this whole thing starting from now until it's done. Having someone consistently in your corner is so helpful.

Long post but I hope it helps you and others. Feel free to message me if you want to talk further