What to Expect

Now that you’ve learned about the major responsibilities and expectations of each member of the triad, it’s important to be aware of the peaks and valleys most candidates and new teachers experience in their first years of teaching. At the beginning of the school year, most candidates experience a sense of excitement and anticipation of starting their career in teaching.

A few months into the school year, candidates often go into survival mode as the demands of teaching increase and the pressure of credential courses intensifies.

As the holiday season approaches in November, many teacher candidates experience disillusionment with teaching. This can happen for several reasons, such as keeping up with the demands of teaching, working with difficult student behavior, and many other variables. Knowing this up front can help the candidate have the hope and foresight that this phase is temporary. In fact, most candidates report an upward swing in their perspective beginning in January.

In the Spring, candidates typically feel a new sense of rejuvenation—the hardest part of the year is behind them and they realize that they are close to completing their credential. As summer approaches, the candidate typically feels the anticipation of beginning the next school year as a newly credentialed classroom teacher.