Skills Every Education Major Develops
Avery Jensen
McKay Student Ambassador
Special Education
I always knew that by studying education, I would have the opportunity to become a better teacher. What I didn't anticipate was all the other skills I would develop along the way! I have loved seeing myself grow as a future educator and as a person. I can say with confidence that I am a much better person since starting my journey to becoming an educator. Here are just a few of the skills I have been developing as an education major. If you are lacking some of these super helpful life skills, maybe you should think about becoming an education major yourself.;)
Time Management
Not everyone might see this as a blessing, but I think needing to develop time management skills is a game changer! Between weekly practicum hours, endless lesson plans, work, and classes, it is really important to learn how to manage your time. This is something that all educators have to be able to do inside and outside the classroom. I have been blessed in other aspects of my life because I have been developing this skill.
Public Speaking
This one was honestly surprising to me! I used to be terrified to do things like give talks in Sacrament meeting, give presentations in class, teach lessons, etc. I have noticed that I have been pushed so far out of my comfort zone in my major in terms of speaking in front of people. I never noticed it until recently, when I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting. I noticed I wasn't very nervous, my words flowed smoothly, and I just felt more confident overall!
Collaboration
We are going to work with people throughout our lives! If we are ever going to learn skills like having hard conversations, valuing different opinions, giving and receiving feedback, the earlier the better! We all know that the ability to collaborate with those around us is important, but I think sometimes we don't realize just how much it can change the kind of person we are. During my practicum, I have loved having weekly meetings with my mentor. During our meetings, she tells me things that I am doing well and things that I need to work on. I am also able to communicate with her about different questions and concerns I have. This also includes collaborating with your practicum partner. I have LOVED having a partner to be able to talk to. We have been able to help each other as we build lesson plans and work together to become better teachers.
Creativity
This is one of my favorites... who knew that becoming a teacher would make me a more creative person?! As a teacher, you are constantly trying to solve problems using creative solutions. For example:
How can I make this lesson more fun and engaging?
How can I help my student who is struggling with this subject?
How can I decorate my classroom in a way that feels like a safe space for my students?
How can I make play time both fun and educational for my students?
These are a few of MANY ways that teachers need to be creative every day! I've noticed that I am better at thinking outside of the box and finding new ways to do things. This has been so cool because this isn't a skill that I have always had.
Compassion
Though all these skills have helped me grow and become a better person in and outside of the classroom, the skill that has changed me the most is compassion. We go through our lives meeting so many people. People who come from different backgrounds, each having their own stories. In the busy life we live, it can be hard to slow down, get to know them, and develop compassion for them.
Being an educator forces us to take time to learn about each and every one of our students. We learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and sometimes about the hard things they have gone through in life. I have loved getting to take the time to love and show compassion for my students. It has taught me so much about my Savior, and he has helped me understand my students on a much deeper level.
At the McKay School, we are constantly striving to follow the example of our Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. He showed compassion for every individual that he taught and interacted with, and we get that same opportunity. Being an education major is my biggest blessing, and I am so grateful for the way it has been shaping me into the person I want to become by helping me develop new skills and become more like my Savior.
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