Survival Kit Starter Pack
For the all the future cohorts entering the Master's program at CSU.
1. Time Management
Time management is a crucial skill for those who are juggling coursework, research projects, teaching responsibilities, and personal commitments.
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Prioritize Your Tasks: With competing demands on your time, it's essential to prioritize your tasks effectively. Identify the most important and time-sensitive assignments, projects, and deadlines, and focus your energy on completing them first. Consider using techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix or the Pomodoro Technique to prioritize tasks and stay focused.
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Set SMART Goals: Break down larger tasks and projects into smaller, manageable goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). By setting clear and realistic goals, you'll stay motivated and focused, and you'll be able to track your progress more effectively.
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Use Time Blocking: Time blocking involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities. Allocate dedicated time blocks for studying, research, writing, teaching preparation, and personal activities.
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Stay Flexible and Adapt: Despite your best efforts to plan and organize your time, unexpected events or challenges may arise. Stay flexible and be prepared to adapt your schedule as needed to accommodate changes or unforeseen circumstances.
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2. Network and Build Relationships
Building strong relationships with students, cohorts, teachers, and coworkers is essential for success and satisfaction in graduate school and beyond. Here's a guide to nurturing meaningful connections:
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Get to Know Your Peers: Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your fellow cohort members. Attend orientation events.
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Be open-minded.
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Connect with Faculty and Staff: Take advantage of opportunities to interact with faculty members, advisors, and administrative staff in your program or department. Building rapport with faculty and staff can lead to valuable mentorship, guidance, and professional opportunities throughout your graduate school journey and beyond.
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Engage with Students: Establish rapport with your students and create a supportive learning environment. Learn their names, interests, and learning styles, and tailor your instruction to meet their individual needs.
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Be proactive in seeking feedback, asking for help when needed, and offering support to others in return.
3. Self-Care and Well-being Strategies
Teaching can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it's crucial for student teachers to prioritize self-care and well-being.
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Set boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout.
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Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine to reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
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Find an exercise routine that works for you, whether it's going for a run, practicing yoga, or taking a fitness class. Even short walks during breaks can help boost mood and energy levels.
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Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a bedtime routine to signal to your body that it's time to wind down.
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Fuel your body with nutritious foods that provide sustained energy throughout the day.
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Cultivate supportive relationships with colleagues, friends, and family members. Share your experiences, seek advice when needed, and offer support to others in return.
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Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it's okay to make mistakes and have challenging days.
4. The "Oops!" Kit
(For student teaching)
Picture this: the classroom is buzzing with excitement as students dive into their latest project. You're in the zone, orchestrating the chaos like a maestro, when suddenly... disaster strikes! A rogue marker goes astray, leaving an indelible trail across your pristine white shirt. But fear not, intrepid educator, for you are armed with the legendary "Oops!" Kit – your trusty sidekick in the battle against classroom calamities! Things it might include:
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Spare Clothing
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Stain Remover Pen (I had a student cry due to getting paint on her shirt)
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Backup Supplies
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Humorous Excuses
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Emergency Snacks
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Chocolate (it's in a category all it's own)
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Mini First Aid Kit
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Pain Reliever Medicine
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Tea bags and some more coffee for that day when your first few cups of caffeine just isn't doing it.
