Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

I start student teaching tomorrow and I'm wondering if you can give me some advice, tips, hints... etc. Thanks!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

Ditto. I start in the fall. I have a meeting to go to in Feb...I'm nervous!!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

just relax and be yourself! i loved student teaching because its when i really "learned" like how to teach....you know what i mean? classes can't teach that, so it will be a good experience for you

if you need help with specific things, FM me and i would be glad to help.

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

Thanks so much!!!!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

I student taught last spring, and will be again for my masters in 2 weeks...

It's going to be a lot of work - but after a while you get the hang of the lesson planning. The most difficult part is finding a medium between how you would like your classroom to work, and the way your cooperating teacher already has things working.

Just remember - not every lesson is going to go perfectly - even if you spent hours doing prep work for it - but the kids will still love ya!

Good luck!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

My first few days student teaching, I kind of sat back and observed... that helped me a lot... I also took notes of things the teacher did that I loved, and those that they did that I hated... when it came time for my first teaching job those notes definately came in handy!


If you are teaching at the HS or JHS... remember you have to show the kids respect in order to earn it!!

good luck!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

good luck! my advice-the first two days, sit back, observe. but after that, ask if they need help, do stuff, volunteer to make copies, ask if you can help kids out, ask how they manage lessons, resources etc. don't be a wallflower student teacher. don't act like you know it all, either, b/c school is one thing, but experience is TOTALLY DIFFERENT!!! you may not respect everything your cooperating teacher does, but pay attention to what you do like. also, if you are in a junior high or high school, ask to visit other classes during your breaks to see how others teach too. it also gets you noticed. but remember your cooperating teacher is who you answer to, so don't disrespect him/her. but have fun!!!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

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Posted by cocoa

good luck! my advice-the first two days, sit back, observe. but after that, ask if they need help, do stuff, volunteer to make copies, ask if you can help kids out, ask how they manage lessons, resources etc. don't be a wallflower student teacher. don't act like you know it all, either, b/c school is one thing, but experience is TOTALLY DIFFERENT!!! you may not respect everything your cooperating teacher does, but pay attention to what you do like. also, if you are in a junior high or high school, ask to visit other classes during your breaks to see how others teach too. it also gets you noticed. but remember your cooperating teacher is who you answer to, so don't disrespect him/her. but have fun!!!

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Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

my advice is to get right in there and do whatever you can. The first day I started, the teacher had me do math and spelling. It made me feel comfortable in front of the kids because I HAD too. i didnt have a choice. It was the best thing she could have done for me! Good Luck!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

My cooperating teacher had me jump in on the first day and teach math. It was totally overwhelming, but it was good practice. Try to find out how your teacher takes care of administrative duties, as well as teaching techniques. Keeping up with your paperwork is really challenging, so if your teacher has a good system definitely write it down!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

Being a teacher for seven years, the one thing I have learned.. connecting with the kids. You could be teaching the most boring topic on Earth, if you bring it to life and show enthusiasm, kids eat it up!!! Kids are like sponges, they soak up knowledge... When planning lessons, think of creative ways to put a spin on the lesson while getting your objective across. And like other posts said, not every lesson is going to go well. When lessons "bomb", I try to think of another way to approach it.. Good luck. Its a lot of work but it is so rewarding :)

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

The other girls have given really good advice! Definitely observe different teachers, don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions and ask for advice, get ideas from other teachers. Have a notebook for good ideas. Many of my best lessons were stolen from other teachers (even in other disciplines)

Also, towards the end of the semester, ask the principal or another administrator to observe you and give you advice/write you a recommendation. (try to do this with your best class!) It will help you when you are looking for jobs to have been seen by someone in the school system and not just your college advisor. Towards the end, if the principal is nice and has time, you might ask him or her what kinds of qualities they are looking for in a teacher of your subject, and maybe even do a mock interview.

One big thing, besides the lesson planning... schmooze... make connections... you never know who knows someone in another district who needs a teacher... that is how I got this job... through a friend of a friend!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

Everyone has given great advice! Definitely don't be afraid to ask for advice/ideas, observe other teachers, and try not to be too nervous. Good luck!!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

Thanks so much everyone!! You have all given me such great advice... I will let you know how it goes!

Re: Attention Teachers!-- Need advice for student teaching...

I student taught last year in the fall 2003. Here is my advice...be yourself, always ask if there is anything that you can do for the teacher.

Also if they ask you to make copies of something for the class...make a few extra copies for yourself and then save them for the future...you never know what you will need when you start teaching.

Copy any teacher made posters that the teacher may have hanging up. I copied a few from my first cooperating teacher.

FM me if you have any other questions too



GOOD LUCK!!