In January 2021, I started my teacher licensure program, which included my initial licensure and a master’s certificate, all within a 2 1/2-year timeline. It’s been such a whirlwind with work and school, not to mention the addition of our daughter last year. I’m so glad to be at this point – I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!
As winter break comes to a close (for the school that I work at), I’m thrilled to be able to come back from break not as a paraeducator anymore, but as a student-teacher! I was lucky enough to be placed at the same school I have been working at, and I couldn’t be more excited. For the next 15 weeks, I will be teaching and learning alongside an amazing ELA teacher. I have been in this teacher’s classroom many times supporting students, and I just really connect with how she approaches not only the content but student relationships as well. She keeps her classroom fun, engaging, and supportive – I can’t wait to learn all that I can from her!
So, the next 15 weeks will include my student teaching, and whatever assignments that come with that – lesson plans, reflections, unit development, etc. Also during this time, I will be taking my MTLEs, which are tests that the state of Minnesota requires for teacher licensure. I have seven altogether – yes, seven – that need to be completed and passed before I apply for licensure. I’ve gotten them all scheduled, and now my panic is just slowly creeping in. Test anxiety, anyone?
I’m just glad to be done and over with my licensure classes – they kicked my butt, especially this past fall. The only classes I have left are to finish my master’s, and there are only three. I’ll take two next summer, and the remaining one in the fall. The good thing, though, is that I can start a teaching job in the fall – I don’t need to have my master’s finished! So I’m really looking forward to focusing all of my effort on student teaching, my portfolio, and getting my tests done. I’m almost done!
I’ll hopefully post updates either here or on my YouTube channel, but I know I’ll be really busy. Wish me luck!
Allie Uffda 