Secondary Education Tips for Future Teachers: Start Your Journey with Confidence

Welcome, Edumagicians! If you're a secondary education major preparing for a new semester, you're in the right place. In this episode co-hosted by Dr. Jenna Copper, we’re diving into practical and inspiring secondary education tips for future teachers. Whether you're just starting your education program or gearing up for student teaching, this guide is packed with insights to help you thrive.

Meet Dr. Jenna Copper: Your Guide to Secondary Education Success

Hey there! I’m Dr. Jenna Copper, your guest host for this month and every month on the EDU Magic Podcast. I’m an assistant professor of education at Slippery Rock University, where I work with amazing future teachers like you. I’m also the co-author of Keeping the Wonder and author of Roll Call, two bestselling books on creative, student-centered teaching strategies. Before entering higher education, I taught English Language Arts for over a decade. I’ve worn many hats: reading specialist, department chair, instructional tech coach, and more. I’m also a Google Certified Trainer, so if you love tech tools, we’re going to get along great!

Let’s connect on Instagram or TikTok @DrJennaCopper for teaching tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and classroom inspiration.

Embracing Your Identity as a Future Teacher

Let’s rewind. I started as an English literature major, planning to pursue a PhD in the field. But a mentor suggested I try teaching first, and that changed everything. I earned my Master’s in Education and became certified to teach grades 7–12 English Language Arts (ELA). Somewhere between my practicum and student teaching, I discovered my true passion: not just English, but teaching English. Now it’s your turn. Whether you're observing classrooms or preparing for student teaching, this is your moment to embrace your identity as a future educator. Research shows that developing a strong teacher identity early leads to greater confidence and long-term success. Say it with me: “I’m a teacher in training, and I belong here.”

Practical Tips for Secondary Education Majors

This year will be full of firsts: your first classroom observation, your first lesson plan, maybe even your first time leading a class. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed. Here are some secondary education tips for future teachers to help you navigate the journey:

1. Start a Teacher Portfolio

Think of it as a career scrapbook. Collect lesson ideas, reflect on feedback, and document what works (and what doesn’t). This will be a goldmine when you’re prepping for interviews or planning your classroom.

Pro Tip: Use your phone’s Notes app to save screenshots, links, and voice memos. I do this all the time; it’s a simple way to stay organized and reflective.

2. Observe with Intention

When you're in the classroom, pay attention to how mentor teachers build relationships, manage transitions, and create routines. Ask questions. Take notes. Visualize yourself in their shoes.

3. Stay Curious and Reflective

No one expects perfection. What matters most is your willingness to learn, grow, and adapt. Keep asking questions, trying new strategies, and reflecting on your experiences.

The Heart of Teaching Secondary Students

If you’re heading into middle or high school education, get ready for something special. Tweens and teens are curious, funny, and deeply thoughtful, especially when you create space for them to be. They’re exploring big questions about identity, justice, and belonging. As a secondary teacher, you’ll be one of the trusted adults helping them navigate it all. That’s what drew me to teaching ELA and inspired me to co-write Keeping the Wonder to show that rigorous, standards-based teaching can also be joyful and magical.

Your Homework: Define Your “Why”

Before we wrap up, here’s a little homework: Take five minutes today to write or voice-record your “why.” Why do you want to teach? What kind of teacher do you hope to be? Your answer might evolve, and that’s okay. But starting with intention will guide you through the tough days and keep your passion alive.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

You’re at the beginning of a beautiful, challenging, and rewarding journey. It’s okay not to have all the answers. The fact that you’re here—listening, learning, dreaming—means you’re already on the right path. For more inspiration and strategies, check out my books Keeping the Wonder and Roll Call, available wherever books are sold. And don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @DrJennaCopper. https://jennacopper.com/

Until next time, keep showing up, keep wondering, and keep believing in this journey. You’ve got this.

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich

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.

Discover Your Student Teacher Superpower. Take the free quiz: What’s Your Student Teacher Superpower? and uncover your unique strengths in the classroom!

Join the Conversation on Instagram. Tag me @sfecich with your thoughts and takeaways.

Remember, EDUmagicians...You have the EduMagic within you. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making a difference.