Coming exclusively to After The Bell in January 2026

A three part journey begins as we spend over a year following four teacher candidates from student teacher to professional teacher.

In this first engaging podcast episode, we delve into the experiences of four teacher candidates as they embark on their teaching journey. With a mix of backgrounds and aspirations, these aspiring educators share their insights and reflections on their first practicum experiences, highlighting the challenges and joys of stepping into the classroom.

The Beginning of a Teaching Journey
The podcast starts with Martin introducing the unique format of this episode, recorded as a video for their YouTube channel. Together with his co-host and co-producer Roy, they welcome four teacher candidates who have just completed their two-week practicum. Martin expresses excitement about potentially revisiting these candidates in the future as they transition into professional teaching roles.

Personal Stories of the Candidates
Each teacher candidate shares their background and motivations for pursuing a career in teaching. Chris Dalton, who transitioned from a 20-year career in the film industry, reflects on how his passion for storytelling and art led him back to education. He shares, “I have my own kids, so being around kids is not a new thing for me.” His experience in teaching camera assistants further solidifies his commitment to education as he aims to combine art with teaching.

Caitlyn, another candidate, discusses her journey from being a stewardess on a yacht to her current role in education. She mentions how volunteering at an elementary school ignited her passion for teaching, stating, “I just loved it. I love working with kids.” This realization propelled her into the teaching program, and she describes her practicum experience as a significant adjustment, moving from support roles to leading a classroom.

Emma, who grew up in a family of educators, has always aspired to be a teacher. With a history degree in hand, she shares her excitement about finally being in the classroom, saying, “It’s just really where I love.” Her background provides her with a unique perspective on teaching, having witnessed both high school and elementary education firsthand.

Olivia’s path to teaching was a bit more circuitous; after initially pursuing a degree in science and food nutrition, she realized her true passion lay with children. Her experience teaching English in Korea enriched her understanding of different educational systems, making her current role in grades six and seven at Cleveland Elementary an exciting challenge.

Experiences During Practicum
As they reflect on their practicum experiences, the candidates highlight the thrill of being in a new environment. Olivia expresses her excitement about teaching in a nature-surrounded school, stating, “Being in a new grade was also exciting and also scary at the same time.” Emma echoes this sentiment, noting the value of daily interactions in the classroom, which deepened their learning experience.

Martin and Roy facilitate the conversation, encouraging the candidates to share their thoughts on what they look forward to in their teaching careers. They emphasize that despite the challenges, the sense of belonging and purpose in the teaching profession is undeniable.

Conclusion:
This podcast episode serves as an inspiring reminder that every teacher’s journey is unique, filled with personal stories and diverse motivations. The candid discussions among the teacher candidates reveal their passion for education and commitment to making a positive impact in their students’ lives. As they continue their journey, it is clear that they are in the right place, eager to embrace the challenges and rewards of teaching.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning into teaching can stem from diverse career paths and personal experiences.
• Volunteering and early experiences in education can ignite a passion for teaching.
• Daily classroom interactions provide invaluable learning opportunities for new educators.

Tags:
Teaching, Teacher Candidates, Education Journey, Classroom Experience, Teaching Practicum, Aspiring Educators, Podcast Insights, Personal Stories, Teacher Motivation, Educational Background.