Teaching outside of the textbook is one of the hardest things to face as a new teacher. We have to be prepared for anything and flexible at all times; we have to anticipate. We are high-quality, highly responsible, and underpaid. As a student teacher, I have to juggle these thoughts every time I reflect on my choice of becoming an educator. But the truth is I love what I do. Responsibility used to be a burden for me. As an educator, that burden grew into a blessing. As I look at my former self in my students, I understand empathy is not just a word but an action. Teaching has made me a responsible person, a listener, an educator, and a core memory in the mini-stepping stones of life.
When beginning to teach outside of the textbook, I always start with giving myself a pep talk. Being in a new environment can be challenging for anyone, especially in a classroom. I always find it intimidating to walk into a new classroom with students gazing at me, waiting for me to put on my “teacher act.” Like athletes huddling up before a big game, we should huddle up and give ourselves a good talk. I always love to refer my peers to The Pep Talk by Dr. Kevin Elko and Robert Shook. This book emphasizes the importance of mindset and attitude while achieving success. Elko and Shook state, “You can’t control the game, but you can control how they play it.” As student teachers, we may not be able to control every outcome in a classroom, but we can control the attitude and energy we bring into each of our lessons.
Who you are is just as important as what you teach. Always embrace your unique style! As a proud African-American student, I was worried about fitting in and bringing my authentic self into a classroom while also feeling the weight of representation, diversity, and inclusion on my shoulders. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the teaching workforce in Vermont is 96-97% white. That puts me into the 1%.
I know it can be challenging to stand out, but your uniqueness is a strength, and it will make you an impactful teacher. Embracing my cultural identity and personal experiences has helped me connect to my students in so many ways. When I share my story or integrate my lessons with who I am, I see students light up with interest and curiosity. They feel heard, especially those who may not see themselves represented in books or their teacher, so incorporate a diverse selection of authors and stories in your classroom.
In the end, teaching outside the textbook is about embracing the unpredictable and allowing your unique voice to shape different learning experiences, have intention, and make connections. As student teachers, we are still learning to grow, and that growth will lead us down the path to becoming impactful educators. Embrace the challenge, seek growth, build your community, and most of all, TEACH.
