My name is Annie Wright and I am an Early Childhood Education Major! I have been at BYU for the last 4 years and have absolutely loved learning from the professors here. I got married about 18 months ago and we have lived in 4 places since being married! We are currently living in Northern Virginia which is where I am placed for my student teaching. I am teaching in a Fairfax County school in third grade!
Why I Decided to go to D.C.
I decided to go to D.C. for a couple of reasons. The first and biggest reason was because I was excited to learn from diverse mentor teachers and students. I grew up in Mesa, Arizona which is not much different from Provo. I wanted to teach in the DC area because I knew my experience would be filled with different personalities and backgrounds than I have seen in my life so far. I also wanted to do my student teaching in DC because I wanted an opportunity to live in the area at some point in my life!
Favorite Part About Student Teaching
My favorite part about student teaching is by far the relationships I have formed with my students. Because I am in the classroom everyday, all day, I am able to connect with my students more than in past practicum semesters. I have also really loved being able to control the sequencing of my lessons (when I teach what, whether or not I reteach, etc). I enjoy teaching much more when I am teaching every lesson in the day!
Biggest Takeaway
One of the biggest lessons I have learned this semester has been the importance of letting the little things go. In the beginning, I often found myself holding little grudges with students or other adults throughout the day. I quickly realized that these things were really weighing me down! I know people constantly talk about the importance of ‘flexibility’ in teaching but it's true! The quicker you are able to get over the little hiccups in the day and not let them get you down, the happier teacher you will be!
Advice for Those Considering D.C.
One thing I wish I would have known before considering student teaching in D.C. is how accessible the opportunity really is. I was constantly trying to talk myself out of doing D.C. because I was stressed that how expensive and overwhelming it would be. However, the truth is that BYU has such a good system worked out and they are so helpful in making the experience work for anyone. If you are considering student teaching through the NISTP program, please don't let these worries talk you out of it! Go to the meetings and talk with Crystal Jewkes because it really is the most amazing experience!
Plans for After Student Teaching
As of right now, I am hoping to find a long term sub position for when I get back to Provo in the winter. If it takes me longer to find a position that works for me, I will substitute teach until I apply for jobs for the next school year!
Sound like it might be a good fit for you? Click here To learn more about student teaching experiences in DC and Houston.
Want to learn more about being a teacher?
Come see our ambassadors in the newly-built McKay Commons (180 MCKB) during our Ambassador Afternoons every Monday from 11am-1pm, Tuesday from 1pm-3pm and Wednesday from 12pm-2pm. If those times don't work for you, you can schedule an appointment with an ambassador here.
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