Some Soul Searching

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Some Soul Searching

by Ms. B

Jun 2, 2010

I am just posting anonymously on here to vent out to some teachers, most likely the people who'd understand, on here. I am a 21 year old early childhood education certified young woman. My Early childhood journey has been cut short because I've regrettingly not been able to pass my practicum. That will probably haunt me for the rest of my life and it angers, upsets and irks me to the end.

Here are some of my conclusions about it

1. I feel I didn't get enough support from my practicum on- site teacher. 2. I was always stressed out 3.I didn't listen to teachers enough, didn't take enough of their cues. 4. Probably asked too many questions and not enough doing of what I need to do, making me and teachers overwhelmed at times too. 5. I didn't do enough thinking, remembering 6. I didn't do enough doing 7. Made myself too overwhelmed, getting thinking and worrying too much at times. 8. I didn't bond enough with the children 9.thought too much of what "right" language to say...See More

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Ms. B I also need to practice being more aware of things. Thank you teachers, I love what you all do. Hurray and Three Cheers!

On 6/02/10, Ms. B wrote: > I am just posting anonymously on here to vent out to some > teachers, most likely the people who'd understand, on here. > I am a 21 year old early childhood education certified > yo...See MoreI also need to practice being more aware of things. Thank you teachers, I love what you all do. Hurray and Three Cheers!

On 6/02/10, Ms. B wrote: > I am just posting anonymously on here to vent out to some > teachers, most likely the people who'd understand, on here. > I am a 21 year old early childhood education certified > young woman. My Early childhood journey has been cut short > because I've regrettingly not been able to pass my > practicum. That will probably haunt me for the rest of my > life and it angers, upsets and irks me to the end. > > Here are some of my conclusions about it > > 1. I feel I didn't get enough support from my practicum on- > site teacher. > 2. I was always stressed out > 3.I didn't listen to teachers enough, didn't take enough of > their cues. > 4. Probably asked too many questions and not enough doing > of what I need to do, making me and teachers overwhelmed at > times too. > 5. I didn't do enough thinking, remembering > 6. I didn't do enough doing > 7. Made myself too overwhelmed, getting thinking and > worrying too much at times. > 8. I didn't bond enough with the children > 9.thought too much of what "right" language to say to > children, too hung up on "is what i'm saying ok to say to > the kids" > 10. I didn't ask for enough help when I need it. > 11. Trying to be too perfect > 12. Being too worried, too nervous > > -Any advice or words of wisdom for me. This subject has > irked me for forever now and maybe one day, I'll be able to > correct it. For now, I am still trying to live my life and > be happy. If you're wondering, I am happy and glad right > now though being a substitute teacher in high school. One > day, I may come back and get my actual degree in Early > Childhood (even just an associate will do). The plan for > now, is go for my Bachelor's degree in teaching > English/Spanish. What do you all think of my resilience? > Thanks for your time, letting me have the courage to tell > my story and taking time to hear my thoughts

Jun 2, 2010

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montmo I have been a Montessori teacher for over 25 years who currently runs her school out of her home as a "licensed home provider". One important aspect of being a successful teacher when I went through my training was that one has to take care of oneself first. That means preparing oneself for teaching by getting rid of all those traits one picks up o...See MoreI have been a Montessori teacher for over 25 years who currently runs her school out of her home as a "licensed home provider". One important aspect of being a successful teacher when I went through my training was that one has to take care of oneself first. That means preparing oneself for teaching by getting rid of all those traits one picks up over the years that can not serve children well. If the teacher has weaknesses, which we all do, we constantly strive to improve on those. For instance, I was raised in a very large family, and sarcasm and teasing were very common with us. I had to overcome those tendencies on my journey to become the person I want and needed to be to become the teacher I want to be. I was in my 30's, a parent of young children,sith a bachelor's degree and professional work experience in my field, before I made a career switch to teaching ece. I would never go to another age group as I found this matches me perfectly and that is why I still have passion for my work. I found that all my previous life experiences prepared me for my eventual change to Montessori and nothing I did failed to be part of who I am as a teacher.

You are young and you seem to have a lot going on in your yearning for teaching. You should look into what and why you want to be a teacher. Each age group is different and sometimes what one thinks one wants to do( I NEVER wanted to be a teacher until I found the Montessori approach with my own children)is not what one is equipped to do. Your results with your failed practicum can do one of two things. It can inspire you to overcome your tendencies or traits, go and get an education that applies to the age group you find your area of expertise. OR you can go into a different direction entirely.

I think one's 20's are the time to find out who you are and what you want to do with your life. It is a time for exploring different options. Like I told my soon to be 30 year old daughter - do it now before you have family responsibilities and take from each experience to grow. Then when you "grow up "you will find that everything you did up to that point had an indirect purpose for your eventual choices, and it all makes sense.

I would take your failed practicum and use it as a wake up call. I have only known a handful of people who ever failed a practicum. One was a special education major with her Master's degree who couldn't pass the Montessori training. She was determined but she still even after going through all her efforts to get the certification, she couldn't do it. She just did not "get it" with the philosophy. I was a bit confused when reading your list as to whether your list of reasons were from your interpretation or you were cited in writing by the ones doing the "grading".

Anyway, best wishes on your life's choices and thanks for the kudos to teachers of the youngest groups of children. montmo

Jun 5, 2010

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Try again I also failed my first practicum. It wasn't a good fit. I redid the practicum with glowing results and was immediately hired. That was over 30 years ago.

Relax, reflect, redo!

If you want it, you can do it.

Good luck

Jun 5, 2010

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gracie A very thoughtful response Montomo.

Ms. B, I'm impressed with your self reflection and not just blaming someone else for what has happened. It seems like you are acknowledging there were things others could have done to help you more, but also acknowledging much that you could have done differently.

I know one thing - in Early Chi...See More

Jun 7, 2010

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