I didn’t think I would feel so “on my own” but you have to do everything by yourself.
That college is a lot more work; how much more studying is involved as compared to high school.
Is that you have to take all these general courses plus major classes, and you might not finish in four years.
School can be fun!
Financial responsibility; how bad they want your money.
Financial aid/scholarships; how much trouble financial aid would be.
It is great; it’s more work than fun; it’s not all fun and games.
More about programs (majors) at college.
More about major and minors.
Cost; they milk you for money.
Look out for credit card companies!
Being friends with someone is totally different than living with them.
I wish I knew about all of the “hidden costs,” fees, etc.
Time management; study skills are important; college is time-consuming.
That going to a small, cheaper school is just as good as a large, expensive school.
The independence professors give us in assignments and other projects.
That it is not as hard as we were told, and that most of the professors aren’t mean and nasty.
Begin to gather things for your professional portfolio.
You will change your mind about what you want out of life and that’s fine!
The importance of your advisor.
That you need to be involved.
The number of creative projects.
That it is not a walk in the park – it is more like climbing a mountain.
Thanks
to Student-PSEA members attending a recent S-PSEA convention for their candid
answers to this question
I wish they told you the teacher requirements because I know I hear about things, but don’t know exactly what they are (for example, clearances).
How much time and effort is needed.
That I had to pay and take a certain amount of Praxis/teacher tests.
What you learn in the classroom is important, but I think you learn more from experiences.
That parents don’t always care about their children.
A lot of work; it’s one of the hardest jobs; it’s one of the hardest professions.
How fun it is.
That it is more than a four-year program.
That I need a major and minor and certification areas.
State requirements; all the credentials and requirements after graduation, i.e., Act. 48.
Some of the cons that come with the pros.
How rewarding it is – people always try to scare you out of it.
Amount of money I would get paid.
Teachers receive no respect for their hard work and time.
How different special education is.
Get experience with kids as young as possible.
I wish someone would have told me that being a teacher is not just about teaching, but a teacher has many roles: psychologist, parent, social worker, etc.
Go into the classroom, volunteer and see if you love it!
You can’t be an emotional person and not expect to cry at least once.
About the Praxis tests.
You will have to take LOTS of expensive and awful tests – PRAXIS!
How much politics is actually involved in addition to the actual classroom experience.
That there’s IEPs, etc. I had no idea of the paperwork and legal issues that come with the position.
Teacher’s manuals are only the beginning of planning.
Information on National Teacher Examinations.
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