She Was Featured in Forbes: You Never Know How You’ll Impact a Life

Feb 03, 2021

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Show Notes:

I don't know if you can imagine what it feels like to know that a student you taught more than 20 years ago (before you even had a degree or had become a student teacher) reached out to tell you what an impact you made on their life. I know that for me, it's the kind of thing I live for as a teacher.

We aren't in this game for the fame or for the money (lol), so when I saw this post on Facebook from a little girl named Doris, who I tutored so many years ago, of course I had to reach out to congratulate her.

You guys - she was featured in FORBES! I couldn't be more proud of her. But then, when I reached out to congratulate her, wait until you hear what she told me next. It not only melted my heart, but encouraged me to reflect on what this young lady taught me about teaching through her words.

If you're a student teacher (or haven't even started student teaching yet), this will give you the confidence to know that yes, you can make a tremendous impact on a life, well before you have even earned your degree.

Inside this episode, you will learn:

How to keep going, even when you feel like a complete fraud as a new teacher (or student teacher).
What finally gave me the confidence to know that I was making an impact on Doris's life.
How I created an environment that allowed Doris to learn and take risks.
What to remember when you're in the daily slog and you don't think your students are learning anything.
The power of paying attention and discovering what your students really want.
How to know if you're doing enough.

I truly hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed creating it for you. Remember, you do not need to do any of this alone. Ask to join our private Beginning Teacher Talk Facebook group by clicking the link below and become part of the most supportive new teacher group on the internet!

And until next week, remember: just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast, Beginning Teacher Talk, and creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.