Letter To Student Teachers

Hello Student Teachers,

Thank you for being part of Dr. Xue’s Math School as a student teacher. I truly appreciate your willingness to help others and contribute to our community. Below are some important points I’d like to share with you:

1. Prioritize Professional Growth

For many of you, this may be one of your first jobs. At this stage, acquiring professional skills and gaining solid training is more important than immediate financial rewards. A strong start with good mentorship can be rare and invaluable. I aim to be a supportive mentor and hope you feel fortunate to have this opportunity.

2. Embrace the Responsibility of Teaching

Teaching is a respected profession, and it carries significant responsibility. It’s not just a job; it’s a commitment to shaping minds. Approach teaching with seriousness, patience, kindness, and integrity. Be a positive role model and strive to give more than you take.

3. Focus on Your Contributions

Success in teaching, as in most areas of life, is often tied to the effort you put in. Concentrate on your contributions and the impact you make, rather than just the rewards. Often, when you focus on the quality of your work, the rewards follow naturally.

4. Prioritize Student Learning

Always keep students’ learning at the forefront of your decisions. Consider the best ways to help them understand the material and learn effective study habits. Their educational experience should guide your teaching methods.

5. Pay Attention to Details

Success often comes from being detail-oriented and persistent rather than simply being fast. The small details can make a big difference in teaching effectiveness.

6. Be Flexible

Your ability to teach complex topics in Calculus depends on your understanding of foundational concepts in Pre-Algebra. Being flexible and understanding where students struggle helps you guide them more effectively.

7. Stay Open to Learning

Teaching is a continuous learning process. You may discover new insights or methods even for material you thought you knew well. Embrace these opportunities to grow and improve.

8. Be Forgiving

Some students may struggle with math or may not always behave perfectly. If you encounter challenging situations, seek advice from experienced educators. Everyone makes mistakes, and it's important to address student difficulties with empathy and patience.

9. Encourage Creativity

Students may come up with innovative ideas or approaches. Encourage their creativity, even if their ideas don’t always work out. This can be a valuable learning experience for both you and the students.

10. Be Honest About Your Commitments

Only commit to teaching opportunities you can fulfill. Building a reputation for reliability is crucial, and being responsible with your commitments helps maintain trust.

11. Be professional

Ensure clear and timely communication with your students and their families. Maintain a professional tone in all correspondence.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out.

Best regards,

Dr. Xue
Jan. 2024