Teachers: I will be starting my student teaching next week, any advice?

Question

Any do's, don't, hints, fyi's would be greatly appreciated. I am very nervous and very excited!!!

Answer 1

I have lots of advice! Your duties/assignments will vary with the college, but my advice should still apply...
1. Take a 3-ring binder or notebook with you. Make sure you use it only for student teaching. You'll look at it often your first few years of teaching.
2. More than likely you won't be able to just jump in and teach your first week, so be prepared to sit back and take notes. HOWEVER, if you feel your co-op wants you take initiative and you see something you can do, DO IT! It's better to seek repentance than to ask permission.
3. Take notes on absolutely everything... all you will observe was learned through your co-op's experience. Key items to note would be: classroom discipline, daily schedule, how to keep kids on-task, attention-getters, decorations/theme, little teacher "tricks," etc.
4. If your co-op doesn't mind, ask as many questions as you can- pick their brain! Make it your goal to ask one really good question, either personal/professional to your co-op each day. When else will you get the chance? Seize the day!
5. Review the curriculum s/he uses so that when your time comes to teach, you're familiar with it.
6. Be confident- kids truly smell fear! This doesn't mean you have to be the "bad cop" at all- just mean what you say and don't let them walk all over you. Be aware they will test their limits with you, whether or not their teacher is in the room.
7. Ask for weekly evaluations from your co-op if your college supervisor hasn't already. Things for them to look for in your performance would be: confidence, willingness, creativity, originality, accuracy, and most importantly, student-teacher relationships/interactions. If they aren't willing to give you one or let you see it, make your own and maybe video tape yourself teaching.
8. It's good you're excited- focus on that more than being nervous. If this is your life's purpose and pursuit, then take it by the horns and enjoy every minute of it. Don't get creeped out by someone looking over your shoulder- when you have your own classroom someday, you'll wish you had someone there to help you improve and encourage your good points. Find your own teaching style and personality, and stick with it. Live it up!
9. Lastly, remember this phrase: "I am not a gopher." What I mean is, if you are unlucky to get a co-op who doesn't want you, take all the good stuff you can out of their teaching and tell them you aren't there as their personal assistant. You will not run and get their coffee, you will not just make copies all day, you will not be sent out for more than 10% of the time you are there. You are training to be a teacher and will be treated as a colleague, even an inexperienced one. Unfortunately this does happen, and it's happened to a few of my friends and you might not get the chance to change schools/co-ops. It was difficult, but they learned how they should NOT be when the day comes to get their student teacher. If it happens, be polite, be professional, and be the better man/woman. Thank them anyway for allowing you to be there and take what you can from the experience. Give it your best no matter what co-op you have. I do hope you get a great co-op- besides, there are more willing co-ops out there than not, so that's in your favor.

I'm sure there's more I can think of, but that's it for now. Enjoy every minute of it, don't waste it, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Good luck and best wishes!!

Answer 2

Being very nervous and very excited means that you are pretty normal. Go in with the attitude that you are not a teacher yet. You will learn by making mistakes which you should help you learn in every situation. Make sure that you make your share. Everyday that you are there you will be better than you were the day before. Don't beat yourself up after a bad day or bad lesson remember these are very important learning tools for you. When teaching or being observed, look at the students and see what they are doing. You can have the greatest lesson planned but if learning isn't taking place it's not that good.
During an observation remember and this is very important, they are looking at the kids more than they are looking at you. If the kids are participating and learning then you are teaching a good lesson. Good luck and know that experienced teachers are learning everyday just like you to become better at what we love to do.

Answer 3

Adje gave you excellent advice. I would only add one thing. Copy anything and everything you can. If she has a cute pattern for something, copy it. If she has a good blackline book, and neither of you have problems with it, copy it. Adje's idea for keeping a notebook is super. Dress appropriately. Volunteer to help do anything and everything for anybody and everybody. You never know when you will impress the one person who can help you get a job. Plan on getting lots of rest- you will be unbelievably tired. Wear comfortable shoes.

To the person from Ohio- you are correct. Our district just layed off 200 people. Try Georgia, N. and S. Carolina, Fl.and Arizona. They came here to interview people.

Good luck to both of you.

Answer 4

Dress properly. Be helpful and thankful to your cooperating teacher. Think about the good points and bad points of each lesson that you observe. Be open to suggestions made to you. Do not take criticism personally. Get to know the names of students. Learn how to prepare lessons, make up tests and grade them. Most importantly teach as often as you can./

Answer 5

Do not have obvious favorites in class. Ask as many questions as you can because after this you're on your own. Its okay to make mistakes. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. Not only to the students but to colleagues also. Don't get too personal with your co-op. Remember most: you are there for yourself. This is for your future and career, no one else...just breathe and relax and everything will be ok!

Answer 6

If you plan on teaching in Ohio, you can expect a shortage of teaching positions and a long arduous wait to get a job herel I have been teaching for 7 years coming up on my 8th and am finding it difficult to find a job closer to my home. Thinking of changing job fields.

Answer 7

-Always get there on time, preferably early
-Attend as many workshops and meetings as you are allowed
-Learn as much as you can from your cooperating teacher
-Copy as many files as you can to help you get your professional library started (with permission, of course)
-Ask if you can take a few days to observe other classrooms and grade levels
-Don't be shy-jump right in. Show the initiative from day one
-Don't let it be overwhelming. If you are having trouble with something-ASK someone for help

Answer 8

Be mindful of the spirit of youth, the beauty of knowledge, the influence and example you can set, the gift of listening and observation and the awe in the craft you are embarking upon.

Good luck from one who has done it for 32 years.

Answer 9

Don't give too many warnings.
Don't let 'em see you sweat.
Save your tears for home.
You will be fine.... But just be prepared and confident.... NO DOWN TIME...

I love teaching. I teach middle school Language Arts and Social Studies... Good luck!

Answer 10

as a parent i would just like to tell you something my oldest daughters prek teacher told me...... only belive half of what your child says about me and i will only belive half of what she repeats about you.. dont know if that really helps but that has stuck with me over the years... o and bty thank you for doing what you do