What would you like to have known in May 2011? What could you tell this new group that might help them get the most out of this year and perhaps avoid some of the stress and pitfalls you experienced?
Sometimes the work can get overwhelming, but your cohort will be there when things get rough. Form a tight-knit community with them. I suggest starting a Facebook group immediately. The sooner you get to know each other the better. I had a few outstanding episodes of collegial planning on Facebook chat.
It's not THAT bad! Seriously. When you start to wonder how it is possible to accomplish all that has been set out for you to do throughout the year...just remember to stay positive and have faith in Alby that she knows what she's talking about. The worst thing you can do is be negative. Stay away from people who constantly whine, complain, or bitch. It doesn't make anything better and it probably makes things worse. You will not be the better teacher or student by complaining all the time and it is extremely annoying and immature. So buck up and try to take it all in. I would also suggest weekly meetings with cohort members outside of the classroom once placement starts full time in the Spring as well... you don't understand how much you need it until you do it.
And one last IMPORTANT thing- DON'T LISTEN TO EVERYONE WHO SAYS THE JOB MARKET IS TOUGH AND YOU MAY NOT FIND A JOB. Sure, be mentally prepared so not-so-ideal situations, as it will be your first job, but quite frankly- screw 'em. It doesn't help morale and I think it's crap for someone else to tell you how your job search will go. Also, I know everyone will tell you to fill out job applications super early, but I think it was kind of a wasted effort when I could have been concentrating more on school and less on applications that really only needed to be ready by May/June. So don't freak out. Of course, start getting feelers out there and networking, but EVERYONE said gettting a job was about knowing someone. I was really discouraged by that...I didn't have someone in a school system out there waiting to hire me. And I didn't need them. I got my dream job on my own and through hard work. Grades can make a difference, so take it seriously. Show up on time and go to class!
That was a lot, but I thought it was important if anyone ever does read this :) Good luck and bon voyage... also, look up the definition of cohort if you don't know it already.
Sometimes the work can get overwhelming, but your cohort will be there when things get rough. Form a tight-knit community with them. I suggest starting a Facebook group immediately. The sooner you get to know each other the better. I had a few outstanding episodes of collegial planning on Facebook chat.
ReplyDeleteOh, and go ahead and start a blog, too!
It's not THAT bad! Seriously. When you start to wonder how it is possible to accomplish all that has been set out for you to do throughout the year...just remember to stay positive and have faith in Alby that she knows what she's talking about. The worst thing you can do is be negative. Stay away from people who constantly whine, complain, or bitch. It doesn't make anything better and it probably makes things worse. You will not be the better teacher or student by complaining all the time and it is extremely annoying and immature. So buck up and try to take it all in. I would also suggest weekly meetings with cohort members outside of the classroom once placement starts full time in the Spring as well... you don't understand how much you need it until you do it.
ReplyDeleteAnd one last IMPORTANT thing-
DON'T LISTEN TO EVERYONE WHO SAYS THE JOB MARKET IS TOUGH AND YOU MAY NOT FIND A JOB. Sure, be mentally prepared so not-so-ideal situations, as it will be your first job, but quite frankly- screw 'em. It doesn't help morale and I think it's crap for someone else to tell you how your job search will go. Also, I know everyone will tell you to fill out job applications super early, but I think it was kind of a wasted effort when I could have been concentrating more on school and less on applications that really only needed to be ready by May/June. So don't freak out. Of course, start getting feelers out there and networking, but EVERYONE said gettting a job was about knowing someone. I was really discouraged by that...I didn't have someone in a school system out there waiting to hire me. And I didn't need them. I got my dream job on my own and through hard work. Grades can make a difference, so take it seriously. Show up on time and go to class!
That was a lot, but I thought it was important if anyone ever does read this :) Good luck and bon voyage... also, look up the definition of cohort if you don't know it already.