It is true that most teachers do not remember the first lesson that they ever taught. However, in the eyes of a college-level teacher candidate, teaching a lesson is taking a big leap into the future:

Today is the day that I have been waiting for. I get to teach my first lesson! This is the day that I have been dreaming of, and the day that I have always been most fearful of. My mind is swarming with questions and concerns over how the day is going to go: What if I find out that this is not for me? What is the kids hate me? What if I forget what I am going to say? What if they do not get it?

To the students in my class today - I. AM. SO. SORRY. I can only hope that you grasp the material that I am trying to teach you. I can make two promises: (1) I am going to do my very best to teach you what you need to know today. (2) I will be better at this job in the future if I ever teach your kids, so no worries.

I am visibily nervous at first. But, then something incredible happens: I find my teacher voice. Then, something even crazier happens: I start to have fun. By the end of the lesson, I am exhausted from worry. I have to admit that I am incredibly proud of myself! No, it was not perfect. Yes, there were moments that I wish I could go back and change. But, guess what? I am going to be a teacher one day, and this knowledge is all that matters!

With Love,

A Future Teacher