The Grass is Greener
Three student teachers discover that the support they receive from their University Consultants can look remarkably different and shape their practicum experiences in unexpected ways.
“Three nine eight,” Carlos mumbled, the pen cap clenched between his teeth as he scribbled the call number. “Two zero eight…nine.”
He tore the note from his pad, left his bag at the library computer, and wandered into the quiet Curriculum Lab. Only two voices broke the silence.
“I just met with my UC to talk about it,” Elle was saying.
Carlos paused.
“You mean she observed you yesterday?” Desiree asked.
“No, I literally just met her at Tim Hortons.”
Carlos changed course and wandered toward the fiction shelves.
“You met with your UC on a Saturday?” he asked, making them both jump.
“Way to eavesdrop!” Desiree teased.
Elle laughed.
“My TA hasn’t been giving me any feedback, so I texted my UC. She met me for coffee, helped me work through everything, and we emailed my TA together. I hate confrontation, so having her support meant a lot.”
Desiree shook her head. “I can't imagine that. My UC keeps things very...clinical. I teach, we talk, and we move on. Honestly, I prefer less interaction after that awful group feedback session I told you about.”
“I didn't hear about that,” Carlos said.
“Suffice it to say, it was horrible.”
Carlos nodded. “Well, you aren't alone. I feel judged every time I meet with my UC. They focus on tiny details instead of the big picture. It feels like they're looking for what's wrong instead of helping me grow.”
“Yikes,” Elle said.
“I just wish there was more mentoring than nitpicking.”
“I knew someone who almost failed last semester,” Desiree said.
“Her UC became almost like a therapist, helping her realize teaching wasn't the right fit. It was sad, but it ended up being a really positive experience.”
“That actually sounds better than what we've got,” Carlos admitted
“Maybe that changes later,” Elle offered. “Once a UC knows you're going to pass, I think they stop acting like evaluators and start acting more like mentors.”
Desiree grinned. “So Carlos and I are both failing, then?”
“I didn't mean it like that!”
“Well,” Desiree said, “it helped her figure out what she really wanted.”
Elle frowned. “I can't imagine putting in all that work and failing.”
“That won't be us,” Elle said confidently.
Carlos glanced back at the call number in his hand.
“Easy for you to say,” he muttered. “Your UC is taking you out on coffee dates.”
Elle rolled her eyes. “It wasn't a coffee date!”