My Journey as a Tufts Student Teacher 

When I walked into my classroom for the first time as a student teacher, I had a hundred thoughts swirling in my head. Will the students like me? Will I remember everything I planned? What if I completely mess up? Still, underneath it all was one quiet feeling: I belong here. My name is Khadija Binte Nasir, and I’m a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) student at Tufts University, concentrating in English Language Arts. I came to this program with a passion for literature and a deep love for working with young people, and through my student teaching journey, I’ve seen that passion take root in a real, vibrant classroom. 

One of the things that makes the Tufts MAT program unique is how carefully the student teaching experience is designed. You don’t just get dropped into a classroom—you’re placed in a school that aligns with your interests and paired with a mentor teacher who supports your growth. I was placed at Arthur D. Healey School in Somerville, working with seventh-grade students who are curious, funny, challenging, and full of surprises. We start our teaching residency part-time in the fall and shift to full-time in the spring. That gradual build gives us the time and space to understand the classroom environment, build relationships with students, and slowly take on more teaching responsibilities. And yes, it’s a lot of work. But it’s the kind of work that feels meaningful, even on the hardest days. 

Of course, before (and during!) all this, there are licensure requirements to take care of too—specifically the MTELs. In Massachusetts, you have to pass three exams to be on your way to becoming a licensed teacher: the Communication and Literacy MTEL (which includes a reading section and a writing section), and the subject-specific MTEL based on your concentration. For me, that meant taking the English MTEL. It’s a lot, especially when you’re juggling classes, planning lessons, and showing up for your students—but Tufts does a great job of making sure you’re supported through all of it. You’re not in this alone. 

There’s something very human about student teaching. It’s humbling in the best way. Some days you feel on top of the world—a student shares something vulnerable with you, or a lesson sparks a lively discussion, and you walk out of the building knowing you made a difference. Other days, you’ll feel unsure or exhausted, and that’s okay too. Because that’s real teaching. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection, presence, and growth. 

For me, teaching ELA has become about helping students find their voices in stories, in writing, and in themselves. I see bits of my younger self in so many of them—book lovers, question askers, and quiet thinkers who are still learning to speak up. It’s a privilege to witness their growth and to know I’m part of their journey, even in a small way. 

Student teaching through Tufts has made me feel more prepared, more inspired, and more certain that this is what I’m meant to do. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.