Trent Suzuki, a physical education teacher who graduated from California State University San Marcos' single subject credential program, visited the current single subject class at San Marcos to explain the excitement, woes and good that will come from the San Marcos credential program and life as a first year teacher. Currently, Mr. Suzuki is a long term substitute and has received his first teaching position. During his first year as a long term substitute, he was enrolled in BITSA, the program for first year teachers that help prepare them to be a teacher. He explained it as almost an extension of the credentialing program, or at least the TPA's on steroids. He explained that while the workload was for BITSA is substantial, the program is more of a reflective process for teachers to ensure that they see ways that they can become better teachers. Additionally, Mr. Suzuki explained that first year teachers will be paired with veteran teachers to prepare, support, and assist them for the process.
After Mr. Suzuki explained the workload for first year teachers, he explained ways for teachers to network so they will be looked at for new jobs first. Advice he had was to become best friends with the principal's secretary, that the principal's secretary was the commander of the school and they new how to get what teachers what they need. That was something that I have been working on throughout the year, and this has been something that is most aligned to my success. Mrs. Melinda Cohen, my school site secretary is amazing and supportive. She is welcoming and supportive, ensuring that I am prepared for all substitute requirements when I substitute, making sure that I am getting everything that I need, and even helps me get meetings with the principal. She is the most tenured person in the district, has been working with administration in the district since I was in elementary school. She is as much of the leader of the school as the teachers and principal. She holds all the power, but also the heart. I am thankful for her support and am proud to help her any time that I can.
Of the last of Mr. Suzuki's advice, he emphasized that teachers need to be seen outside of their classroom. They need to be involved in classes and activities other than theirs. That includes sports, after school programs, and club activities. Principals like to see that you're more than a teacher in a classroom. They want to see that you are invested in supporting all students any way that you can. As a firt year teacher he explained that this will be tough because of the workload, but he also explained that it is necessary for your success as a worker and a teacher.
After Mr. Suzuki explained the workload for first year teachers, he explained ways for teachers to network so they will be looked at for new jobs first. Advice he had was to become best friends with the principal's secretary, that the principal's secretary was the commander of the school and they new how to get what teachers what they need. That was something that I have been working on throughout the year, and this has been something that is most aligned to my success. Mrs. Melinda Cohen, my school site secretary is amazing and supportive. She is welcoming and supportive, ensuring that I am prepared for all substitute requirements when I substitute, making sure that I am getting everything that I need, and even helps me get meetings with the principal. She is the most tenured person in the district, has been working with administration in the district since I was in elementary school. She is as much of the leader of the school as the teachers and principal. She holds all the power, but also the heart. I am thankful for her support and am proud to help her any time that I can.
Of the last of Mr. Suzuki's advice, he emphasized that teachers need to be seen outside of their classroom. They need to be involved in classes and activities other than theirs. That includes sports, after school programs, and club activities. Principals like to see that you're more than a teacher in a classroom. They want to see that you are invested in supporting all students any way that you can. As a firt year teacher he explained that this will be tough because of the workload, but he also explained that it is necessary for your success as a worker and a teacher.