A Rocky Start

2024 is starting a bit rocky for me and we are only 9 days in.

I thought I would be teaching by now but I didn't realize there would be more steps for me to take before finally getting into a classroom.

Anyway, I am not here to complain. A couple of blog posts ago, I talked about ending the year with trust. Therefore, I am going to continue to trust and just keep doing what I need to do while I wait on God's plan to play out in my life.

Today, I want to talk about moving forward even when you are unsure of where you are going.

This is something that I am currently experiencing right now. I have been trying to prepare to step foot into a classroom that I have no idea of what school, grade level, or subject I will be teaching.

My ability to trust in God is being tested now more than ever. Of course I have schools that I am interested in and subjects that I want to teach, but I think the reason that I am not in a class yet is because this correct school may not be ready for me just yet. At least that is what I want to believe.

Here are some ways that I have been preparing to venture into the unknown.

Improve Your Skills

When it comes to teaching I have continued to read books that will help me in that field. I am also watching a lot of training videos that is required of me. Even YouTube videos often keep me encouraged about teaching.

Finding things that will directly help you in the skill that you want to develop is a sure way of good and effective preparation.

Being Patient

This is a more difficult thing for me to do, especially if it is something I have been waiting a long time for it. In my case, it has almost been a year since I decided that I would become a teacher and I have yet to step foot in a classroom as a teacher.

Understanding that things take time is something that I am still trying to grasp. I am still in the development process and I need to remember that if I want to be an effective teacher I need to do everything that is required before getting into a classroom. I want to be the best teacher that I can be and becoming a great teacher takes time.

Have Confidence

Even after all of the training I have done and preparation I have completed, I still find myself lacking confidence that I can really walk into a classroom and actually teach. I don't know if it is fear or just a case of imposter syndrome, but confidence is a source that I need to constantly be extracting from.

When it comes down to it, I may not be completely ready for every challenge that may come my way, but I at least need to be confident enough to know that I can handle it.

A class of students needs a teacher that they can rely on. A teacher that is confident in his or her abilities. Having confidence in who you are will alleviate the anxiety and fears you may have while anticipating the mysteries of the future.

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This year is going to be a great year. If I am confident in one thing, it's that. I may not know what challenges may come my way, but I am sure that it will not overcome me.

As you all are gearing up for or even taking off into the new year, I want you to remember these things I talked about. Improve your skills, be patient, and have confidence. What is meant for you will come to you.

Until the next post.

Jefferson K. Coe