Lauren Davis
McKay Student Ambassador
Early Childhood Education
Everyone strives for perfection to some degree. We all want to succeed, especially in our careers. However, the honest truth is that perfection is unattainable in this lifetime. I quickly realized that, as I began my first semester of practicum, teaching at the lab preschool behind the JFSB. If I had to choose one word to describe my experience so far, it would be humbling.
I have extensive experience working in various daycares, volunteering in different classrooms, and even planning short activities for children. Because of this, I assumed my practicum would feel easier. However, I quickly realized there were many aspects of teaching I had never encountered, making this experience a significant learning curve.
From lesson planning to meet specific standards to assessing children's progress while actively engaging with them, each task has been more challenging than I expected. Additionally, transitioning from simply caring for children to building meaningful relationships as their teacher—not just a babysitter—has been an adjustment. These challenges have been difficult to navigate, and I am still learning every day.
Embrace the Journey
Honestly, a part of me always thought that being a teacher would be easy—something that would come naturally to me. I expected to pick it up instantly. But the reality is, I don’t need to be the perfect teacher right now, nor do I think I ever will be. Somewhere along the way, I forgot that I’m in school to become a teacher. I’m still learning the tools I need to be successful in this profession.
Practicum sometimes feels like white-water rafting—going with the flow, occasionally getting completely soaked, but also witnessing incredible views along the way. Teaching is a lifelong journey of learning and adapting to each student’s needs. Life itself is about the journey, not just the destination. If I focus too much on being the perfect teacher, I’ll miss out on all the incredible things I’m learning and experiencing right now.
Learn from your Mistakes
Most of my learning comes from reflecting on my mistakes. When I plan a center, sometimes it engages the kids, and other times it doesn’t. Teaching is a continuous process of experimenting, adapting, and discovering what works best for both me and my students. A new skill that I have been working on is not asking the students a question when they do not have a choice.
Through my own mistakes, I've learned how to effectively speak to young students. One time, I asked students, "Can you come here?" when they know that they need to be on the carpet for circle time. However, when I asked a child to put their toys away to prepare for circle time, they did not pick up the toy. So, I quickly learned from my mistake and re-worded my question to a statement telling them to put the toy away. This was a lot more efficent as I set the expectation between a teacher and a student. It’s all about growing through experience and learning along the way.
Rely on God
Matthew 5:48 states, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." In this scripture, God is not asking us to be flawless but rather to become whole and complete. This completeness comes through steady, continuous growth.
It can be so easy to compare yourself to the other student teachers and spot all your own short coming and differences. I do this all the time and doubt if I will be a good teacher. I rely on Jesus and knowing that God has a perfect plan for me and that He will help me become the teacher that He needs me to be.
The only way to achieve this growth is by relying on God's mercy and grace, allowing Him to magnify our efforts and shape us into who He intends us to be. Elder Bednar taught this principle so beautifully click HERE to watch it.
No one is ever going to be a perfect teacher, and that’s okay. What students truly need is someone who shows up for them consistently—someone who puts in the effort to grow a little each day. A great teacher isn’t defined by perfection but by passion, dedication, and a willingness to keep learning and improving.
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