Student teaching.....help!!?

Question

Okay, so I am a little confused about this whole student teaching thing. What do I do on my first day? Will I be thrown right in to teach? Or do I observe? Should I bring like a notebook? What should I expect for like the first day and also the first week or so. Thanks!

i tried meeting with my cooperating teacher, but things have been crazy for the both of us, his mother was in the hospital, i had the flue...etc. that's why i am scared because he will not be in school tomorrow and i am starting on monday. i just don't want him to throw me into anything. i was hoping for the first day i would get introduced to the class and just get to observe the class.

Answer 1

A good cooperating teacher - and most ARE good - will let you get your feel for the first few days, then ease you into things. He should suggest you observe the first day, but if not - tell him that you would like to do that so you can get a feel for his normal routine and teaching style. (and remember ... even if your style is vastly different, you need to respect his and never undermine it or go against it). Take notes about his lessons and the kids. You'll want to note how he diciplines & rewards kids, etc.

If you get bored, ask him if it okay if you mill about the room and help the students (if it is appropriate - you didn't mention the grade or subject).

During the planning period - offer help with what he is doing - but he shouldn't be asking you to say, grade papers, while he is teaching. You are there to learn, not as his assistant. (Although it is always a kind thing to run and get that one copy short made, etc.).

You want to show initiative, so if he offers to let you do something, accept the offer. At the end of the day sit down with him and ask him about his plans for the next day and how he sees you fitting in to the day's routine as the days & weeks progress. Don't be afraid to offer to start doing things right away. Giving a spelling test or going over homework are great ways to get your feet wet.

AND INTERACT WITH THE KIDS!! Let him see you are comfortable and confident and have skills with the kids.

It will depend on MANY factors as to what you'll get to do and when, and often it has little to do with you personally, so don't get offended if you don't get to do as much as you would like. Teachers have many pressures with No Child Left Behind - and have to make sure their class is meeting standards. That is their first priority.

Bring a notebook, lunch, and an open mind and good luck.

Answer 2

I've had several student teachers over the years and I have never expected anyone to teach anything on their first day. Typically I want them to observe for at least a week, but ideally for a month or more. It often depends on the program that the student teacher is in and what it requires. If you can't meet with the teacher that your will be working with at the school, then you should contact the person that supervises you within your student teaching program. Just to be on the safe side, I would prepare a short activity (a "name game" or something like that) that would help you learn about your new students if the opportunity arises. I could give you some other ideas, but I don't know what grade level or subject area you are preparing for. I teach high school English and my student teachers always start with a syllabus on the first day, a writing prompt that is engaging (to allow the new teacher to see where the students' strengths and weaknesses are), and some sort of preview lesson that prepares the students for the upcoming unit. Anyway, I hope this gives you some ideas. Good luck and try to relax! It's the best job in the world!

Answer 3

If at all possible, you need to arrange to meet with your supervising teacher BEFORE you begin student teaching. At the very least show up early on the day you are supposed to start and meet with the teacher before school starts. The supervising teacher and you will then mutually decide what is appropriate for you to do at the start. Offer to teach right away, but expect that you will probably observe for a few days, and then ease into actually teaching as you become familiar with the classroom routine.

Absolutely bring a notebook and pen. You might or might not actually use it, but you should always be prepared.

It's quite likely that the first week you'll do a lot of the "grunt work" for your supervising teacher. You'll probably be asked to make copies, grade papers, enter attendance in the computer, etc. If you're starting in the middle of the year, you'll most likely begin actual instruction when there's a natural break (like the end of a unit) in each class.

Answer 4

No wonder you're nervous. Your college should have a syllabus that lists everything and explains exactly what the expectations are. For example, Week 1: Observe and assist. Week 2: Take responsibility for one classroom routine (read aloud, math drill, etc.) Week 3: Take one class...and so forth, building up to full responsibility.
Make sure that you know the expected lesson plan format for your supervising teacher. (The supervising teacher is generally the person assigned from the college, while the cooperating teacher is the classroom teacher.) Most expect that you will have lesson plans completed at least 24 hours in advance, so that your cooperating teacher can sign off on them.
Definitely bring a notebook. A plan book would be even better. (You can pick them up at education stores) Bring your own pens and pencils, as well. Your cooperating teacher should have a space for you in the classroom. Bring your own lunch for the first day, and then investigate your options. And wherever you go in the school, smile and introduce yourself.

Answer 5

First day is pretty much introducing yourself and learning the new school. You will probably observe for two weeks like we did. You won't be thrown right in to teach. You will start off slowly with one subject and work up to all day by the end of the semester. Bring a notebook for observations and get involved wherever you can in the beginning to show initiative.

Answer 6

The first day is usually meeting the students, teachers, and staff. When I did my student teaching I was slowly worked into the day (I did mine in Elementary). I took over one section of the day (spelling) and kept adding on as I was ready until I was teaching the entire day and she was observing. If you can't meet with the teacher face to face, then at least have a phone conference to answer a lot of your questions. Ask him what he sees your role as being on the first days to make sure you are on the same page. Try not to stress about everything, but make sure you know what is going to be expected of you.

Answer 7

Usually student teaching follows steps. First you observe for a while, then you assist the teacher. Next you teach using the teachers lesson plans, and finally come up with your own. You should not teach the first day.

Answer 8

don't be scared...no one will make you do anything you are not ready for!

if your teacher asks you to do anything your first day, it won't be anything more than reading a story to your class...which, i suggest, you do. the quicker you jump in, the more comfortable you will be in the long run.

try your best to get acquainted with as many people as possible your first week...your students, of course, but also any other teachers at your grade level, the secretaries, the custodian, the librarian, everybody!

i would definitely bring a notebook, you'll probably get a lot of ideas, and you don't want to forget them...as they say, the best teachers are also the best thieves.



p.s. goof-ups are inevitable...i make them every day...remember, you are new at this! learning to be flexible and just roll with the punches is just as important as any of your formal teacher training...that said, good luck with your first week, don't be nervous!