What Do You Have to Say to Future Teachers?

We asked May 2020 graduates what advice they have for future teachers. We also asked for insight into their thoughts about their own careers: what they’re anxious about, what they’re looking forward to, and important lessons they’re taking from the UNC Center for Urban Education teacher preparation program.

Thank you to following graduates who responded (and sent photos of themselves in their graduation finery):

Angel Giancaterino
Veronica Magallanes
Jacqueline Pasillas
Lucy Rickart
Stephanie Sturm

Congratulations to all of the graduates for what you’ve accomplished!

Graduate Lucy Rickart with her family

What advice do you have for people who are considering going into a career as a PK–12 teacher?

Really take the time to understand and craft your “why.” This career path requires a lot of heart and selflessness. Why do you want to be a teacher? Why do you want to work with kids? This is a crucial question you need to have a clear answer to.

This career path requires a lot of heart and selflessness.

Believe in yourself, because you can do difficult things.

Our children need us. They need reliable teachers that they can trust, no matter the students’ race, gender, or social economic status.

Follow your heart and go for it. You won't regret it. All of the effort you put into the career is repaid as you see your students grow.

All of the effort you put into the career is repaid as you see your students grow.

Take all and any opportunities to get into the classroom, whether that’s as a paraprofessional or volunteer, or in another role. It is so important that you absolutely LOVE this profession, not only for yourself, but most importantly for your students. With experience in the classrooms, you’ll know where you need to be.

Graduate Jacqueline Pasillas

What are you looking forward to the most in terms of your teaching career?

I’m most looking forward to seeing my students learn and grow. Every student is capable of doing anything they set their mind to.

I am excited to use what I’ve learned in a primary classroom that supports diverse communities. I want to be an ally to families.

I want to be an ally to families.

I am looking forward to meeting my first students and listening to their stories. I want to learn all about them and hear about their dreams. I am also looking forward to growing and becoming a better teacher year after year.

I am looking forward to making an impact in someone’s life, creating lifelong relationships, and having that sense that I have done something difficult and accomplished my goals.

I am looking forward to spending my career doing what I love! Most importantly, I’m looking forward to changing and shaping young lives. I want to make a difference and be the great educator every child deserves.

What are you anxious about as you start your career?

I am really nervous for my first year because everyone says it is the hardest year. I know I have so much to learn but I really want to have an effective classroom management plan. I hope to have a mentor teacher in my building who can help me when I face tough situations.

I’m anxious about being new and joining already established teaching teams. I am sure that once I get started the butterflies will all go away. It is a very exciting time. I can't wait to start!

I am most anxious about the beginning of the year. Being hired during a pandemic and not knowing if we will be in the classroom or doing remote learning scares me. Going into the unknown makes me very anxious!

I am most anxious about finding a job and keeping it.

The thing I am most anxious about is online teaching/learning. I have prepared for the past four years, in person, to work with students with intellectual disabilities. I feel that online teaching is going to be a whole new experience. I will be teaching at a new school and might be meeting my new coworkers, students, and parents all virtually.

Graduate Stephanie Sturm

What is an important lesson you have taken from the UNC Center for Urban Education?

Education is a team effort and the student and parents are equal members of the team. It is important to build relationships with students, families, and fellow teachers.

Ask questions, especially of the teachers who have been in the game for a long time. Trust that they know what they are doing and want to help you, but you have to be willing to ask.

Don't be afraid to be authentic with the kids. They love it when you are YOU.

Never give up! I learned to work hard and to always be there for my students.

At the end of the day, we are all lifelong learners.

At the end of the day, we are all lifelong learners. There is always something new to learn and new experiences to have.

My classmates were always there for me and I was there for them. If it was work-related or class-related, we were always there for each other. This is something I will take with me as I start my teaching career and will make sure to reach out to my colleagues for support.

Experience is the key to success. This program gets students in classrooms working with kids from the first day you start classes. It allows you to develop your love of education, practice new strategies you learn in class, and grow as an educator. Take every opportunity to be with students, and make the most of it!

Graduate Veronica Magallanes

Newsletter Archive

Did you miss previous issues of the Chronicle? Visit the Leadership Council page on our website, scroll down, and click on past newsletters.

Contact Us

Rosanne Fulton, PhD
Director, Center for Urban Education
UNC Denver Center at Lowry
1059 Alton Way
Denver CO 80230
Office: 303-637-4334
rosanne.fulton@unco.edu
www.unco.edu/UrbanEd

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