By Bethany Gold, ’25
On my last day of practicum teaching in a second-grade classroom, I put a sugar cookie on each student’s desk. We munched, my mentor teacher said this was my final day, and students rushed, with slightly frosting-crusted hands, to give me handmade cards.
I cried as students hugged me, saying I should stay instead of returning to BYU. I thought, “I’m not sure so much love has ever been squeezed into so small a room.”
But that’s not how it started! Before practicum, I worried about doing well, getting along with my students, and teaching in front of a class. Here’s what I wish I’d known
• The beginning will be overwhelming. That’s okay! I wasn’t sure I even wanted to be a teacher after starting practicum, but I soon felt better. Give yourself grace and time to adjust.
• Communicate. Before practicum, I emailed my mentor. We reviewed lesson plans, and she suggested improvements, building my confidence.
• Seek connection. I worked to know my mentor and my students, and it paid off. Relationships take effort!
• Be receptive to feedback. I thought I would be great right out of the gate. I wasn’t. I even cried after one lesson! But feedback helped me grow so much.
• Have fun, be yourself, and enjoy it while it lasts!
More Perspectives
The only thing that helped me feel more comfortable with teaching was teaching! Each time I taught, I felt more confident.
—Ashley Roberts on a working in special education in Utah’s Nebo School District
I had students listed as “difficult” and even “a danger to others.” I came in with the love that our Savior shows and ended up making the strongest connections with those students. They are just kids. Take a deep breath, love them, and serve them.
—Stefania Amado on student teaching fifth graders in Houston, Texas
