Preservice Teacher Strategies: Staying Connected and Growing as Future Educators

Follow-Up Post Inspired by Jacqueline Goodburn’s Guest Contribution

Building a Network of Support with Preservice Teacher Strategies

Jacqueline Goodburn’s original guest post emphasized the importance of teacher connection and collaboration. In this follow-up, I’ve adapted her suggestions to support preservice teachers who are preparing to enter the profession by offering actionable strategies to stay connected and grow professionally during their college years.

Practical Preservice Teacher Strategies for Connection and Growth

"Share your great ideas/strategies/successes on social media, in the teacher's lounge, anywhere! Shout it from the rooftops!" — Jacqueline Goodburn

Preservice teachers, your voice matters. Use platforms like Instagram or Twitter to share your ideas, techniques, tools, and strategies. You bring fresh perspectives to education, and your insights are valuable. Don’t hesitate to post about your classroom experiences, lesson ideas, or reflections. The education community is eager to learn from you, so share widely and confidently!

"Take time to talk with your colleagues." — Jacqueline Goodburn

While you're learning about pedagogy, methodology, and content, don’t overlook the importance of peer connections. Engage with classmates, professors, and fellow education majors both in person and online. These relationships can lead to mentorships, job opportunities, and lifelong professional support. One of the most effective preservice teacher strategies is simply starting conversations you never know where they might lead.

"If you attend an experience with someone from your district, resist the urge to stick together. You are more likely to encounter new points of view by exposing yourself to new perspectives." — Jacqueline Goodburn

I love attending conferences with preservice teachers. We often split up to attend different sessions and collaborate using a shared document to collect notes, ideas, and resources. This approach multiplies our learning we gain insights from three sessions instead of just one! If you're attending a professional development event, choose sessions that challenge you or align with your growth goals. You can always reconnect with friends over lunch or coffee to share takeaways. Car rides home are perfect for reflecting on what you’ve learned.

"Expand your personal learning community using technology. Connect with educators from around the globe using Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Make connections and open your classroom to the world." — Jacqueline Goodburn

This advice is especially relevant for preservice teachers. Start building your professional learning network now. Create a Twitter or Instagram account dedicated to your educational journey. Share what you're learning, ask questions, and engage with educators worldwide. These platforms offer opportunities for collaboration, inspiration, and problem-solving. In today’s digital age, being connected is not optional it’s essential.

Preservice Teachers Are Better Together

The heart of these preservice teacher strategies is connection. Whether through social media, conferences, or casual conversations, building relationships and sharing ideas will help you grow into an educator of excellence. Stay curious, stay connected, and remember, we’re better together.

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Want to keep the conversation going beyond the blog? I’d love to connect with you! Whether you're a future educator, a current teacher, or someone passionate about edtech and innovation in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to stay inspired and supported.

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