Teacher candidates were walking the IL halls of SMSU, thrilled for their new year to begin.

They were so excited for their methods year, they sang this song…

🎶 We love SMSU.

We love the School of ED.

We will succeed.

We will finish strong. 🎶

Oh no!

COVID found some, a few received late placements, student-athletes occasionally missed class.

Did they cry? Goodness no! They kept moving along, and singing their song…

🎶 We love SMSU.

We love the School of ED.

We will succeed.

We will finish strong. 🎶

Oh no!

Various hours of field experience awaited, several miles were traveled, unexpected surgeries/illnesses disrupted schedules, mental wellness waned.

Did they cry? Goodness no! They kept moving along, and singing their song…

🎶 We love SMSU.

We love the School of ED.

We will succeed.

We will finish strong. 🎶

Oh no!

Pre-student teaching for two full weeks, a practice edTPA completed during that time, many assignments, many projects, many tests all while working other jobs.

Did they cry? Goodness no! They kept moving along, and singing their song…

🎶 We love SMSU.

We love the School of ED.

We will succeed.

We will finish strong. 🎶

And guess what? They did! 💪👏🤗

The moral of this story is…no matter what your SMSU methods year tosses at you, just keep moving along and finish strong while singing your song…

…Because it’s all good — in college!

Stay Calm & Finish Strong While Singing Your Song!
Profs Dr. Wendy & Dr. V. 

P.S. Thanks to the children’s book Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin for the inspiration for this blog.

P.S.S. Teacher candidates, it’s okay when you did shed a few tears. 😉