Student Teaching: What to expect?

[Jackie]

Any advice for a first time student teacher? What should I be preparing over the summer to get ready for my first experience in the Fall?

[Unregistered]

If you know what you will be teaching, take the time to know and understand your state's standards.

Listen to the experienced teachers you will be working with--they have a wealth of knowledge that you never heard in your college courses.

[Jackie]

Any tips for preparing myself to work with middle level students? Structure or discipline tips?

Thanks!

[glynnis]

It may help if you can get together with a veteran teacher who will be teaching with you over the summer. I just recently moved from Texas to SC and over last summer I talked a lot with a veteran teacher who taught the grade I was going to for many years. She helped me understand how much I could expect the kids to know when they came into my room and how much I would need to teach them over the course of the year. She helped me become familiar with the standards and the texts we would be using.

There is one thing I told her I did not want to know and that was the good and bad students coming up. I found that to be very helpful this past year. I did not go in with any preconceived ideas as to who would be too talkative, bossy, etc... It was interesting to hear the past teachers talking about the change in the students who were "bad" the previous year.

Let the veteran teachers help you and guide you, but don't get caught up in all the talk about good and bad students! Good Luck!

[Proud2Lead]

Those are two of the most important things for me. Also, walk in with confidence! :)

[GAteacher]

I had a great student teaching experience. Make sure to attend all the Open House events prior to school opening, as well as the first day of school (if your college does not already require this.) The principal was very impressed with my interest in learning all there was to know. I was offered a job, but declined because of an offer closer to my home. Good luck and stay positive -- and don't get wrapped in the some of the teacher bickering!!

[Unregistered]

I have been an advisory teacher to 6 interns. The thing that impressed me the most was their willingness to follow instructions. It can be frustrating to spend time with a student teacher and go over what needs to be done that day/week...then to see it ignored. Not only does it harm the students (because they aren't being taught what they need to know) but it also harms the trust with the assistant and advisor. Have a lot of fun...if you enjoy what you are doing, your students will love being under your instruction. Give it your best..100% is the only way to go. Enjoy the classroom!! If you know the grade you are teaching, try to look for things that might interest them at their age level. There will be good days...and not so good days. Take them all as learning experiences and grow from it.

[Unregistered]

Always remember that only dead fish flow with the stream.
Have out of this world activities, projects no one has ever seen, as well as active bulletin boards, talk and work with a vetran educator, a vetran teacher isn't good enough.

[Unregistered]

I did my student teaching in 6th grade last fall. It is extremely beneficial to really listen and learn from your mentor teacher during the time you are observing and she is teaching. That becomes invaluable when you have full control of the class. Consistency in discipline plan is also very important. As far as what you should do during the summer to prepare yourself -- gather what you think you may need to fill time/space. It is always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared, obviously. My mentor teacher also informed me that when you are following a specific curriculum, you should use that program 90% of the time and use outside resources for 10% of the time, or less.

Also, realize that your mentor teacher is a good source of information. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Above all, HAVE FUN! Student teaching truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Oh, and if you have the opportunity after completing your student teaching to visit other classrooms on campus, be sure to avail yourself of that, as well. The opportunity will not come again.

[Unregistered]

I have worked with student teachers for the last 6 years and here are some suggestions of things that impressed me:
Become familiar with the curriculum and standards for what you will be teaching, some of this can be found on the districts website, if you can't be in touch with who you will be working with. Listen and take advice, knowing the content you teach is not always as important as knowing the students you will be teaching. Teach from the heart. Management skills are important. Also attend the days before actual school starts, it's important to see what goes into preparing a classroom and the teacher for the upcoming year. Don't be afraid to ask questions, use and learn from the experiences of those you will be working with. Get up and be active. It's important to observe and learn lesson strategies, but don't be content to just do that, it's also important to interact with the students so that when you are teaching the classroom you have established rapport with them. Good luck and have fun!!

[Unregistered]

REMEMBER: It doesn't matter if you are teaching the best lesson in the world if no one is listening. Get their attention and then get on with the lesson. Also, never ask them to all do something at the same time. With younger children you may call for every one wearing red, blue, checks, stripes, shoes that tie, any student with an older sister, etc. With elememtary students, call them if they have more than 10 letters in their last name, anyone with a short a in their first name, anyone with a birthday in May, anyone who was born in another state, etc. The possibilities are endless.

[Unregistered]

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance: this is a catch phrase at my school, that actually works. Never go into the classroom unprepared. Know what your going to do, have all your ducks in a row, and never lie if you don't know the answer to a question, make it a point to honestly admit you are not sure, then look it up! Use all situations as teaching tools.

Also don't be a SNIP, susceptible to negative influences, stay away from the teacher lounge if it is a negative place.

And get to know the teachers in your hallway, they can have great information, as well as your lead teacher.

[Unregistered]

Hi Jackie. A student teacher is asked to teach the class for a few weeks, and trust me, it is so much fun. You develop a strong bond between the students. I loved it.

[Unregistered]

My advice is to listen carefully to what you are told to do, be creative and don't put on a show only when your supervisor is coming to visit. Always be prepared and expect the unexpected. It is wiser to have your work complete prior to the day it is necessary. Always have a second plan of lessons. Observe other teachers as well as the one you are assigned to.

[Unregistered]

Always treat your teacher assistants, custodians, and office staff with respect. Do not forget that they work hard too and are part of the team, treat them as such.

[Unregistered]

I have taught for 25 years and still love my profession! I have been a cooperating teacher 10 times. One very helpful task I ask my ST to do from day 1 is to observe ONE child, track him/her for ONE day. How does that child handle transitions, working in cooperative groups and independently, how does he/she socialize, etc. This helps the ST focus on a child, and not get too overwhelmed with all the new things that the classroom environment brings. Secondly, I start a reflective journal(spiral notebook) with the ST. I start by writing the tracking task listed above. The ST writes in the journal and returns it to me. I then respond and ask a new question, etc. The first 2 weeks, while the ST is getting to know the routine, we exchange the journal nightly. It's a place for questions, concerns and reflection. As the ST takes over lessons, we exchange the journal once a week. This is something the ST can keep after their Student Teaching semester is done. It chronicles their growth in a friendly format.
TIP: Research and prepare a VARIETY of classroom management techniques. Ask your cooperating teacher if you can implement your technique during your lead teaching time. Remember, every class is different, every Cooperating Teacher has different expectations! Ask what those expectations are, from the beginning of your student teaching. You need to be comfortable with the management technique you use. The first one you try may not work. It's better to adjust what you're doing than to muddle through some management strategy that isn't working to make the classroom a great learning envoronment!
Never give up! You are a role model for your class. If they see that mistakes are just a chance to try something in a different way, they will know that they are free to make mistakes and grow,too! You have the chance to make a difference in your students' lives! Good Luck!

[Unregistered]

Practice counting to 10. It will help you to not over react with elementary kids. Good Luck!

[sarah27]

I recommend www.gradeweb.com. My students loved it and they give you a website for your class! Best of all, it's free now until the end of the summer. :rolleyes:

[Unregistered]

I want to start out by saying you are human and you will make mistakes. Don't worry about all that stuff. You need a sense of humor and don't let it bother you. I recommend two books.
1. The First Days of School: How to be an Effective Teacher by Harry Wong.
The book gives you wonderful ideas to help you become successful with your students. It is not a "How to do" book. It is a book that helps you become and effective teacher. You can purchase the book at www.amazon.com

2. The Laughing Classroom: Everyone's Guide to Teaching With Humor and Play
by Diana Loomans, Karen Kolberg-great book with fun ideas when you need them!

Have fun your first year!

[Unregistered]

Also, make sure you have plenty of mints so your breath won't stink when you are talking.

[Unregistered]

You should expect to work hard and act happy all the time. Your freeloading days are over, girl!

[Unregistered]

I student taught 8th grade ELA and loved it. My students were awesome and I had a wonderful time. There were a few days that I wanted to go back home and go to sleep, but that was my fault...time management is everything. You can't stay up all night talking on the phone and expect to be 100% the next day. Make wise decisions, follow directions, have fun, and you will be fine!

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

besides all the inclass stuff that people have mentioned, never underestimate politics. Meet the admin, volunteer coach something (if you are at a middle/high school). Dress +1 better than everybody at school. If your school has some sort of Fall carnival, or something schoolwide, volunteer. Do a favor for the principal. It will come back to help you later.

I approached my internship like I approached classes at college when there were 200 or so in a lecture hall. I made sure the man in charge knew my name by the end of the semester.