What I Learned About Teaching College Courses from a Third Grade Class

“So, what advice do you have for my class presentation today?” my husband asked while I was running around the house to find matching socks for our 5-year-old.

Matching socks are overrated. I gave up on the quest and grabbed two random pair.

“What class?” I asked back.

“I’m going to IU East to talk to a business class,” he said. “I haven’t really prepared anything yet.”

Ok. This guy and I couldn’t be more different. He is what I call a “Final Hour Performer” – a fancier name for procrastinator. I would straight up have a panic attack if I walked into a room unprepared. I mean, maybe that’s being dramatic. I might not have a panic attack, but I would definitely be using the rolling stick of the "calming" essential oils that my mom bought me this summer. My background in public relations taught me the importance of researching and showing up with a plan and message, so "winging it" isn't really my jam.

“Well,” I said. “My biggest piece of advice is to make it about them – and not you. Everything should be about them and what they want to learn and hear.”

“Right,” he said. “It’s not like I have a presentation. They don’t want to be presented to – they want to be engaged, right? Don’t you always say that?”

“Yes,” I said. “I learned that early on. Engage them as quick as possible and make it fun. Interact with them. Capture their objectives. Ask them what they want to see and get them talking early on. Write down what they say in class on a whiteboard, so they can see that you’re listening and taking note – visually and through your responses back. You can’t force the interaction – but show them that you care. Show them who you really are...”

I learned this lesson about teaching early on. I was 18-years-old.

I signed up for the student teaching program at my high school.

I was assigned a third-grade class.

At the time, I only wore Hollister ripped jeans and t-shirts - see below, aspiring Hollister model in the making (HA!):

I spent my last $60.00 on a new outfit for my first day. I wanted to make a good impression. I wanted to look the part.

When I walked into the classroom and introduced myself, the kids would laugh when I turned around.

What was so funny? Why were they laughing so hard?

I mean, obviously I thought I was a little funny. But not enough to make them roar with laughter each time I turned around to write on the board.

Finally, one of the kids spoke up.

“Mrs. Bedwell,” she said. “We are laughing because you have gum stuck to your butt!”

“GUM BUTT,” shouted another student and they all started laughing again.

I completely rolled with it. I could have felt embarrassed, but this was legit the story of my life.

“Wait,” I said. “Is this not the cool thing to do? Have gum stuck to your pants?” 

I went into the bathroom and ripped the gum off my butt. I smiled at myself in the mirror. They will never forget this, I thought. This will be what they tell their parents about at dinner.

I came out of the bathroom – smiling and laughing. I just gained my first valuable lesson in teaching: be yourself in everything you do.

The students can feel every emotion you project into the classroom.

If you’ve had a bad day, they will feel it. If you’ve had a great day, they’ll join into it.

If you are grumpy, don’t expect positive reactions to your content.

If you are excited, they will join into the conversation.

You set the mood for everything. And if you can learn to be yourself – flaws and all – they will appreciate you for it.

For me, teaching is about inspiring them to think differently.

It’s about challenging them to come up with creative ideas without insane rules and boundaries.

It’s about inspiring them to engage in content and conversations.

Teaching is about showing them that they have the power and potential to do anything they desire in the world.

I walk into every single class with the intent of engaging and bringing the students into the conversation.

I want to hear their stories.

I want to hear their ideas.

I want to hear when they disagree or challenge something that I am saying.

I open all of these options for them in class because growth and innovation happen in a classroom that supports motivating, challenging, and engaging conversations.

I want my students to feel like I heard them.

I want them to walk away feeling confident about how to talk about their ideas, stories, and experiences in a meaningful way.

I want their experience to be more than an exam or quiz number.

I want their experience in my classroom to be something they carry with them throughout the rest of their lives.

Now, you're up. It's your turn: Think about your favorite teacher. What did they do for you? How did they support you? What did they help you see in yourself or the world?

I’d love to hear your stories. And, I would love for you to reach out to them and thank them for what they did for you.

The second lesson I’ve learned is that teaching is way harder than anyone could ever imagine. Teachers put their heart and soul into the classroom and the lives of their students.

I have a lot of thank you letters to write to my educators from the past.