"Top Ten List" of Advice for Preservice Teachers from Dr. Peggy Semingson

Educator-specific advice:

1. “It takes a village to raise a child.” So it’s not always fully on your shoulders, but you should always be as prepared as you can to teach.
2. Remember why you are here and why you started training to become a teacher. Keep the bigger focus in mind and remember your mission.
3. Find your own mentors, even if they aren’t right in front of you or even at your workplace.

More general professional advice:

4. Don’t doubt yourself. Take the next step and aim high with your goals.
5. Related to #1, keep going—move past hurdles and remove barriers, when possible.
6. Be a lifelong learner and seek out knowledge from various sources: research/journals is one source, but also consider blogs and podcasts from credible sources, and credible social media channels.
7. Think in creative ways; this is especially needed during this pandemic.
8. My belief in life has been “Just do it”. I didn’t wait for anyone to tell me to start my YouTube channel or get a Ph.D. Those were things that I aimed for. If you have an idea, run it by your trusted people and then make a plan!
9. Read and write. Keep reading and writing. Lately I’ve been listening to podcasts and watching informative videos!
10. Stay agile and flexible. Be ready to switch gears as the world changes.