I notice you teach high school english and history, and it’s what I’m heading into this fall after getting my major in history and minor in English. I’m so used to the independent learning, lecture style of my undergrad, I have no idea what to expect with teacher’s college. I’m pretty terrified that I’ll find out my life long passion isn’t for me and that’ll I’ll do awful. Any tips of what to expect?

It is always different depending on where you go (especially what country/state/province you’re in), but, for the most part, it’s about how do we bring our knowledge into the classroom.  I learned about following curriculum, teaching theories, lesson planning, etc.  There was also a great deal of practicum experience.  My year of teachers’ college was fabulous.  It was the most fun I had in school and all of the work we did was very easy.  When I say easy, I mean it wasn’t overly challenging, but it was a lot of hard work.  I had the most amount of hours a week for classes, the most amount of homework and assignments, but it was something that I enjoyed doing.

Good luck!

I notice you teach high school english and history, and it’s what I’m heading into this fall after getting my major in history and minor in English. I’m so used to the independent learning, lecture style of my undergrad, I have no idea what to expect with teacher’s college. I’m pretty terrified that I’ll find out my life long passion isn’t for me and that’ll I’ll do awful. Any tips of what to expect?

It is always different depending on where you go (especially what country/state/province you’re in), but, for the most part, it’s about how do we bring our knowledge into the classroom.  I learned about following curriculum, teaching theories, lesson planning, etc.  There was also a great deal of practicum experience.  My year of teachers’ college was fabulous.  It was the most fun I had in school and all of the work we did was very easy.  When I say easy, I mean it wasn’t overly challenging, but it was a lot of hard work.  I had the most amount of hours a week for classes, the most amount of homework and assignments, but it was something that I enjoyed doing.

Good luck!

I’m almost in high school and the majority of my middle school teachers absolutely despise their job. Are high school teachers any better? I’ve heard that they are, but I believe you would be the most reliable source.

That’s too bad that it seems your middle school teachers don’t like their jobs.  I cannot answer for other people and how they enjoy their professions.  I enjoy what I do, but there are always bad days or parts of my job I don’t like (paperwork, administrative stuff).  It’s different for every person.

I’m almost in high school and the majority of my middle school teachers absolutely despise their job. Are high school teachers any better? I’ve heard that they are, but I believe you would be the most reliable source.

That’s too bad that it seems your middle school teachers don’t like their jobs.  I cannot answer for other people and how they enjoy their professions.  I enjoy what I do, but there are always bad days or parts of my job I don’t like (paperwork, administrative stuff).  It’s different for every person.

Hi! I think your blog is absolutely hysterical. I’m in my last year at university, and I’m currently tutoring a few high school students in English Literature. A few students are struggling with essay writing (specifically with word choice, they struggle to employ a wider vocabulary). Do you have any advice on how I can help improve their vocab? Are there any online resources you would recommend? Thanks!

I’ve struggled with this question a bit, because I face the same issue with my students.  Other than providing a “word of the day” to introduce them to new words or telling them to use a thesaurus, I believe the only real way for them to expand their vocabulary is for them to read books.  This seems like a lost art with the current generation sometimes, but improved skills in reading, writing and speaking all come from reading.  It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s written properly (meaning no social media, etc).

Sorry I can’t be more help with this issue.  This would be more of an individual solution for each person.

Hi! I think your blog is absolutely hysterical. I’m in my last year at university, and I’m currently tutoring a few high school students in English Literature. A few students are struggling with essay writing (specifically with word choice, they struggle to employ a wider vocabulary). Do you have any advice on how I can help improve their vocab? Are there any online resources you would recommend? Thanks!

I’ve struggled with this question a bit, because I face the same issue with my students.  Other than providing a “word of the day” to introduce them to new words or telling them to use a thesaurus, I believe the only real way for them to expand their vocabulary is for them to read books.  This seems like a lost art with the current generation sometimes, but improved skills in reading, writing and speaking all come from reading.  It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s written properly (meaning no social media, etc).

Sorry I can’t be more help with this issue.  This would be more of an individual solution for each person.

Hi!! I’m fifteen, Chilean and I want to study pedagogy. Well, here in Chile doctors earn a looooot of money, but teachers earn less than a workman, really (they’re not appreciated at ALL but in a few schools -and mine- they are). What should I do?

You can only do what you want to do.  Follow your passion.  If you go for money, but hate what you do, will it be worth it?  You need to do what is best for you.  Take some time to reflect, research options available to you, and follow your path.  It also isn’t wrong to change paths halfway through if something isn’t working for you.  Do whatever you think is right for you.  Good luck!

Hi!! I’m fifteen, Chilean and I want to study pedagogy. Well, here in Chile doctors earn a looooot of money, but teachers earn less than a workman, really (they’re not appreciated at ALL but in a few schools -and mine- they are). What should I do?

You can only do what you want to do.  Follow your passion.  If you go for money, but hate what you do, will it be worth it?  You need to do what is best for you.  Take some time to reflect, research options available to you, and follow your path.  It also isn’t wrong to change paths halfway through if something isn’t working for you.  Do whatever you think is right for you.  Good luck!