-: First of all, take as many content courses as you can.
If you're going to teach English, take that English course
that's a little left of center that's gonna give you
a little bit deeper understanding of literature.
If you're a science teacher, take as many courses
as you can in the different fields, because you don't know
what you'll end up teaching, so it's good to have expertise
in as many things as possible.
Next, talk to people.
Make good use of every experience, your student teaching,
your mentoring, not just in the room that you're assigned.
Talk to the people around you.
Talk to the teachers, find out what they do.
What's the best thing about their day?
That's how you get better even before you start your career.
I didn't start off looking for the job I have right now.
I thought I was gonna be in a large suburban district.
I found out I really like high-needs urban teaching.
When I got into the school I'm in, just by happenstance,
I have found this is the highest level of growth
I've ever achieved.
So being open to, maybe not your dream job the first job,
but make the most of it so that your next step
is a good step for you.
Networking is important.
Having that support network, knowing that you can go
to someone if you have a need for help, a need for advice.
That is part of self-advocacy.
It really empowers you, it gives you tools in your toolbox.
And also, finding the things that you know you're weak at.
You may not be very good at lecturing in front of students.
You may not be very good at writing assessments.
You may not be very good at speaking to your bosses.
Find someone to help you with that.
The earlier the better so you can grow your career.