Like many pre-service teachers about to enter the profession, I am feeling anxious anticipation – will I really be able to do it? To make lasting, positive change through my practice? It is reassuring to hear similar sentiments echoed in fellow students approaching the same phase of their studies and early teaching careers, a reminder of the value of collegial support as we face the challenges ahead (Farber & Hozsepian, 2010).
Rod Fogarty’s second video, accessible through the link above, was particularly helpful with some very timely and pragmatic advice including expect to and forgive yourself for making mistakes, make peace with imperfection (good enough will do for now), set psychological boundaries, establish collegial connections and know it gets better with effort and professional development. His sentiments align to the Queensland College of Teachers Code of Ethics (n.d.) which highlight pre-requisite virtues, such as responsibility and respect, rather than necessary skills and expertise.
This ensures as pre-service teachers, we may enter the profession with the confidence to acknowledge our imperfection and to improve our practice over time through applying positive attitude and values.
References
Farber, K., & Hovsepian, K. (2010). Why great teachers quit : and how we might stop the exodus. Corwin Press.
Fogarty, R. (n.d.). Surviving and Thriving in your First Year of Teaching. [Video]. Ponopto. https://usq.au.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=e59fa35e-9abd-4138-9884-b3b5002f7655&start=3.225155
Queensland College of Teachers. (n.d.). Code of Ethics for Teachers in Queensland. https://cdn.qct.edu.au/pdf/CodeOfEthicsPoster20081215.pdf
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