things I've learned

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things I've learned
By Patti

I've taught for 10 years 3,4,5,6, (SPED) 3&4 regular ed in the inner city and two years of preschool. Even though I graduated with a degree in Special Ed I wish I'd had more training on teaching reading phonetically (that
was "out of style" when I was in college) and in remediating reading problems. That is the core of elementary ed. If the kids don't master that skill...forget it, nothing else really matters. Somebody mentioned that you should go to school in the state you plan to teach in...well you should at least have some idea of where you MIGHT go in the future and work out those certifications ahead

of time. I taught for 7 years in VA after attending college in PA and have now returned (to where I grew up) NY. I'm having a dreadful time getting perm. certification even with all my experience. Another good experience to have prior to the 1st day you walk into your own class is to volunteer in MANY settings, not just suburbia or rural, but force yourself into an inner city school/class and see how bad it can be. It will be an eye-opener, and an experience you won't soon forget. Also try to sit in on some parent-teacher conferences, even if you are going with an Aunt to your kid cousins' conf. Conferencing is hard, esp. when you have a troubling student. I volunteered in Adult Literacy/GED programs all through college and gained some vital experience there. Enjoy!