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How do you feel confident in your career in education?

How do you help feel qualified or confident in your career choice when you are dealing with imposter syndrome as a future teacher (of ag)? I am a sophomore and I am struggling with feeling disconnected from the future profession and anxiety about not know whether or not I’ll be good till after student teaching.

college career-path career-choice education agriculture agriculture-education
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Charlie’s Answer

Fantastic inquiry, and I commend your courage in seeking guidance at this juncture of your professional journey! It's absolutely natural to feel a bit uncertain at this point in your growth. This simply shows your eagerness to excel in your future endeavors, and your commitment to becoming an exceptional teacher. Here's some advice to help you on your way:

1. Prioritize your education and skill development at this stage. Prepare yourself for the exciting opportunities that are undoubtedly on the horizon.
2. Work on cultivating habits that characterize a great teacher: Effective communication, organization, maintaining a positive mindset, and enjoying the process! (just to mention a few).
3. Acknowledge that mistakes are inevitable, we all make them. Particularly at the beginning of our careers. I assure you, it's impossible to get everything right...No one does! But that's perfectly fine. The key is to learn from these experiences and keep progressing.
4. Have faith in your training and coursework. Allow any uncertainties about the future to ignite your passion for thorough preparation.
5. Lastly, always remember that you are enough!!! We all possess unique talents. Utilize your individual gifts to create a teaching style that's uniquely yours! In my eyes, teachers are true heroes!
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melissa’s Answer

This is a feeling that spans most careers, I believe. My advice would be to journal a bit, answering a few questions, as though someone else was asking them!
1. Why did you choose this field? Make sure to include whatever interests or successes you have had in it already.
2. What are you doing to prepare for this career? Include your education, of course, but think of other activities as well. In your case, working with Ag students already, staying in contact with education or agricultural professionals, etc would all be good things. Think outside the box!
3. What do you need to do that you aren't already doing? The answer may be nothing! If you can think of a few things, though, it will help soothe anxiety to have a plan of action.
4. Imagine yourself 5-10 years in the future. You are working in your field. What is it like? A paragraph or two, imagining your life, should help you decide if that's really what you want to do.

Put the journal away. Come back later, read it, and ask yourself, "Would I hire me?" I bet the answer is yes! Good luck!
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Zandra’s Answer

My first year of teaching, I got the job before the end of the previous school year and had to wait out the summer. I almost quit before I started. These feelings of anxiety are perfectly normal. Find a support group that is positive and encouraging and you will find that you are not alone. You have chosen a great profession and you probably have a passion for it. Give yourself more credit and trust yourself more. It is hard not to spend energy thinking about the what ifs, but if you can make it to the student teaching....better so to the actual job, you will find the experience will reaffirm what you are doing. Hang in there.

Zandra recommends the following next steps:

1) Breathe
2) Find people nearby that can encourage and guide you
3) Breathe again
4) Know yourself.
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Keyston’s Answer

When it comes to searching for a future career, it's important to dig deep into what genuinely sparks your passion and aligns with your skills. As someone who's found confidence in my role within education, I'd suggest focusing on your strengths and continuously building on them. Now, regarding imposter syndrome as a future agriculture teacher, remember that everyone experiences doubt. Embrace learning opportunities, connect with mentors, and trust that growth takes time. Student teaching is a chance to refine your skills; don't let preconceptions overshadow your potential to make a positive impact in the lives of your students.
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