Madeleine Goes to College: From Newbie to Online Prof

In this episode of Transparency in Teaching, I had the pleasure of speaking with Madeline, a former student teacher of mine who is now an adjunct faculty member at Chaffey College. Madeline shared her unique journey into the field of education, highlighting her initial struggles with dyslexia and how overcoming these challenges inspired her to help others learn to read.

Madeline discussed her current role as a part-time professor, teaching English to a diverse group of community college students, including high schoolers in dual enrollment programs.

We delved into her preparation for becoming a teacher, including her experience with the rigorous CalTPA (California Teaching Performance Assessment) and the importance of student teaching. Madeline emphasized the value of having a supportive cohort and mentor during her training.

Madeline also shared practical advice for new teachers, including the importance of not lowering expectations, allowing students to learn from failure, and utilizing apps and online tools to create engaging lessons.

Although Madeline struggled with feeling some first-year burnout, she expressed her continued passion for teaching and her commitment to making a positive impact on her students.

I hope this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring educators. If you found our conversation helpful, please share the Transparency in Teaching podcast with your friends and family. Visit our new website, transparencyinteaching.com, for more episodes and blog posts. Thank you for listening!