Advice to Future Teaching Fellows by Milacor Cajulis

NYCTF Cohort 39

milacorcajulis — 2025-07-24 14:36:57 UTC

Remember Names

2025-07-29 17:08:06 UTC

The students do notice when you can’t remember their names.

Also, make sure to do assigned seats. The students may say “We won’t talk” when you ask them to, but they also will. So it’s better to to assign them seats in advance!

2025-07-29 17:08:14 UTC

it is a lot and you will be overwhelmed, but if I can do it you can too!! just try to manage time better, get things done on thr weekend!! one day makes a difference

One month goes fast, hang in there. I do not speak proper English, and understand only 60% of SBS presentation, but I made it anyway. Lets go! You can do it.

2025-07-29 17:08:22 UTC

2025-07-29 17:08:25 UTC

I know it seems tough, but don't give it up! That's what I heard on the second day from my LIs, and I proved it! You won't regret it.

Keep your eyes on the end prize. Good things come to those who wait. When times get tough always know every single one of the fellows can relate and we shouldn't feel alone. The kids make it worthwhile!

2025-07-29 17:08:42 UTC

2025-07-29 17:08:51 UTC

Stick through it.

It's very easy to give up. You've gotten this far, you can make it four more weeks.

Use incentives. Positive + negative.

2025-07-29 17:09:03 UTC

2025-07-29 17:09:04 UTC

Be patient! If you were perfect from the very start of the program, there would be no point in doing it. Ask questions, observe, and complain if you have to. Remember, every teacher was once in a position very similar to you. You got this!!!

2026 Advice

2025-07-29 17:09:13 UTC

Find time to talk to your students outside of teaching time so you can get to know their interests and about their lives. Also, make sure you are consistent and set a routine!!

Advice for future fellows

nicholassamuelalvarez — 2025-07-29 17:09:19 UTC

It's tough at first, but when you start to see the difference you make in these kids' lives, it all becomes worth it

My Advice to you....

2025-07-29 17:09:32 UTC

Run! Run away with all speed!!!

Joking!

Take it one day at a time. It will drive you mad, but when you get through you'll see it's worth it. Also rely on your peers for help and motivation. You're not alone in this!

jordannyctf — 2025-07-29 17:09:41 UTC

Budget yourself like you aren't getting any stipend money
Have a mindset that being a fellow is a lifestyle, not just schooling or classes.
Just like you want your students to work together, you should work together with your cohort classmates.

I would advice next year's cohort of NYCTF, start working from the beginning of the course!! It would be worth it.

2025-07-29 17:09:48 UTC

2025-07-29 17:10:27 UTC

DO NOT GIVE UP. During my hardest and most stressful times, I imagine who I'd be in 5 years. Bottom line, you are chosen to be a part of the Teaching Fellows for a reason, and you should absolutely use this time to find out your teaching style and approach. Make friends with the fellows around you! Never be afraid to take risks, and when in doubt, do all things with heart. The kids will know whether you care or not.

May the odds be ever in your favor

2025-07-29 17:10:29 UTC

Jk... don't over think it.... be patient.... and life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

2025-07-29 17:10:32 UTC

Setbacks are just part of the journey! Your support system is the fellows around you -- we are all in this together 🙂‍↕️ You can do this !!