Student teaching...

i am going to be student teaching either in the fall or next spring depending on the baby but i just wanted to try and "prepare" even though i have no idea what grade ill be in or anything. So i was just wondering from you teachers what do you wish your student teachers did more of...or less of if thats the case? I want to make a really good impression so HOPEFULLY i can get a job asap!

Re: Student teaching...

my advice is throw yourself in there as quick as possible... it's scary at first, but cooperating teachers like to see initiative. ask if you can take over simple things like read-alouds, homework checking, clerical tasks, etc. right away. in terms of teaching, observe a bit at first and then dive right in. ask for help... ask if they have resources like books, reprodiucibles, etc. that you can borrow for the unit /activity they would like you to teach. also, don't feel like you have to teach like they teach. a student teacher i saw last year tried to teach like her cooperating teacher who has a very very different style and she wasn't comfortable with it, or very successful. so if you think you would like to "try" a way of presenting something, something that's different from the norm, go for it. also see if you can do a long term unit or project with the kids... i think its important for new teachers to see how kids learn from the beginning to the end... you can evaluate your teaching better and it's not an isolated lesson.... you taught it all. also, attend staff meetings, conferences or CSE meetings if they fall during your time there. BE ON TIME every day and don't leave early! talk to other teachers.... get people to know you... escpecially the secretaries and the principal. you could get a job there in the future.

your course work is helpful, but honestly it is your student teaching and your first job is hwhere you will learn the most. no text book will tell you what to do when the kids are staring right at you... you just have to do it to experience it and learn.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Message edited 12/7/2007 3:23:15 PM.

Re: Student teaching...

Re: Student teaching...

I don't know what your certification will be but I know as a librarian it is helpful that a student teacher knows how to deal with the special area teachers and make sure that you don't undermine them in their classrooms.

Re: Student teaching...

Well, I've been a cooperating teacher three times, and I think one of the most important things is to not be afraid to ask questions and to be open to suggestions. Also, don't be afraid to try new things, and don't hesitate to say if you don't think something is working for you. I think communication between a student teacher and cooperating teacher is essential, and as long as you communicate your concerns and ideas, you should be fine. Good luck!

Re: Student teaching...

This is my last week of student teaching and I completely agree with everything everyone said above. I made sure I took initiative, asked questions, asked my cooperating teachers for advice, and made sure I saw other teachers in their classrooms to get different perspectives and teaching ideas. Also, my cooperating teacher is the Student Council advisor, so I made it a point to stay after with her to help her at the meetings. Also, later in the semester, ask the principal to observe you teaching a lesson. It was the best thing I ever did, because they get to see you teach and give you advice and it allows them to meet you and see what you're doing in the class. HTH!!!

Re: Student teaching...