Today was my first day back with my kiddos. It was nice to see them again and hear about their holidays and special Christmas presents. They got to show off their new shoes, jackets, and shirts. It was a fun day.
The most exciting part for me was finding out that I am getting a student teacher! Not just any student teacher either, but a wonderful woman who has been my bilingual aide for the last few years. She's spent 30-45 minutes a day in my room during reading or math time so she knows some of the routine already. And she's just wonderful to work with and fabulous with the kids. I am so excited!
But on the way home I started to get a little nervous. I don't know what the requirements of her college are yet, but I'm trying to think of things I can help her learn and things I can have her do to make this as beneficial as possible for her.
So I'm asking for your help. If you've had a student teacher and have any words of wisdom to share, I'd really appreciate it! And if you haven't had a student teacher but have some suggestions, I'd love to hear those too.
To show my gratitude for sharing your ideas, I'll pick a winner from the comments left below and send that person either a $10 Starbucks gift card. Please leave your thoughts and email address so I can contact you and I'll choose a winner on Friday.
Thank you so much!
* This giveaway is now closed, but if you have ideas to share, I would still love to hear them! Please leave a comment.
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Chrissy, this year, I had my first student teacher and we both had a really great experience. At first, it was hard for me because I'm so used to doing everything for myself. It was hard for me to relinquish control. However, if she spends the first few weeks watching you and learning all of your neat tricks, once she takes over, it will be like watching yourself. And, it's actually nice to sit back and watch someone else teach your class. You can use this time to notice things about your students that you never had time to notice before. And, the best part is, once the experience is over, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have just helped your student teacher become the best teacher she can be. You will totally enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteѼ Lori
Teaching With Love and Laughter
luvyorkies@gmail.com
Thank Lori. I'm looking forward to the chance to watch my class. I've never been able to do that. It should be interesting. I'm so glad you stopped by!
DeleteI had two student teachers in one year! That was nerve-racking, especially in a testing year. One did a better job than the other, partially because she actually showed up to work more often. My best advice is to be honest. If you see that she is doing something that needs change, let her know in a constructive way. She will thank you for it, and you will feel better about her being there. Good luck with a student teacher! It will be a wonderful experience!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Reading Toward the Stars
readerstars@gmail.com
That does sound nerve-racking! Thanks for the good advice!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, Jill. I accidentally deleted this comment. I promise to count it in the giveaway. I have it saved in my email. I apologize
DeleteHi Chrissy,
ReplyDeleteI have had 4 student teachers. It is so important to be organized! As you are teaching, talk with your student teacher sharing what strategy, teaching point, or technique you are using. Involve them from the very start. Yes, they need to observe for the first week, but asking them to call on a quiet hand, read a story, or walk around and help with students involves them in the class. Give frequent honest feedback. Written notes are valuable and should include praises and something to work on. Even if your student teacher is only with you for a quarter or semester, show them how you do long-range planning, quarterly planning, weekly and daily planning. Don't forget to share grading, report cards, planning bulletin board ideas, parent communication, and behavior management techniques with them. If you do a Star Student, plan on making the student teacher the star one week to have the students learn more about him/her. Having a student teacher is a lot more work at first, but as they become more comfortable and gradually take on more responsibility in the classroom, it becomes a benefit to both you and your class! Have fun!
Michelle Reinke
mreinke913@yahoo.com
Thanks so much! These are such great ideas. I remember that my first master teacher really focused on teaching me about how she organized and planned. I would love to pass that along too. Have a good week!
DeleteOoh! I was literally just saying TODAY how I wish I had a student teacher this year! I had my first one last year, and it was a great experience. I have to say, although I enjoy being "in control" in my classroom, I am not really a control freak and am more "go with the flow" by nature. That worked well for me, I think, because your classroom (at least at some point during her time) will not be run by YOU. :) Kind of a hard thing for many teachers, for sure!
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome that you've already had time with yours, because she should be able to jump right in to some degree. Be sure she sits in with you and/or your team during planning so she can see the different resources you use to plan lessons, etc.
I agree with Michelle about giving frequent feedback--tell her something that went well each time she teaches a full lesson, and don't be afraid to give a constructive, kind suggestion for next time. I also like the idea of Jill to introduce her as another "teacher," not just a "helper."
I also had my student teacher bring in a flash drive at one point so I could share lots of files with her. I'm hoping it's helping her in her job this year!
You will be an amazing mentor! Have fun!
GAYLA
Teach On.
Gayla, you are so sweet! Thanks for the encouragement and suggestions. Take care!
DeleteI haven't had a student teacher yet, but I took a class last year about how to be a mentor teacher. One assignment I found particularly valuable was that we had to plan out what responsibilities the student teacher would take on each week, leading up to being the "full time teacher" for two weeks. Then the thought was to give the student teacher this "syllabus" (for lack of a better word), so that she would know what to expect during her 9 week placement.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the other posting about frequent and honest feedback. I also would not hesitate in contacting your student teacher's university supervisor if there were any issues that you are struggling to solve.
GOOD LUCK! I have a tricky class this year, so I'm hopeful to get a student teacher next year!
Angela :)
Hippo Hooray for Second Grade!
Thanks, Angela! I hope my student teacher and I have time each day to talk about what was good. I think she'll be wonderful! I have a harder class this year, so I hope I can help her learn some ways of dealing with that and differentiating. I really appreciate your comment!
DeleteI've had a whole bunch of student teachers... over 10 I'm sure. Here are the things I've learned:
ReplyDelete1. Be organized.
2. Ask them what they are most concerned, worried, nervous about and help them resolve that first. Show them exactly what you do to resolve/tackle that task.
3. Help them come up with a clear plan as to what responsibilities they are going to take on and when. Lots of times their school has different expectations than you would normally assign... so find out what is being demanded of them.
4. Be organized. :D
Good luck! I have had absolutely wonderful student teachers. I really enjoy watching them grow and become increasingly comfortable as time goes on. It's fun.
❤Dragonflies in First ❤
Thanks, Traci! It's great to have suggestions from someone experienced at this. I'm so excited to get started!
DeleteChrissy,
ReplyDeleteI supervise student teachers at the college where I teach. Here are some of the "I wish..." statements that I have heard over the years:
I wish she wouldn't correct me in front of the students.
I wish she would be more organized.
I wish she would let me help her plan so I can learn that skill.
I wish I had copies of some of her activities, they are amazing.
I wish she would let me share some of my ideas.
I wish I could teach like she does... I don't think I'll ever be that good.
I wish she didn't use me like an aide (do her copying and grading only).
I wish I could stay with her for about 5 years!
Just some thoughts... I also have a list of I wish comments from the cooperating teacher:
I wish she would show up on time.
I wish she would dress more appropriately.
I wish she would stop texting during class.
I wish she was more open to learning from me.
I wish she showed more initiative.
I wish she was not so defensive.
I wish she was more organized.
As you can see... the best way to ensure a great experience is to communicate, communicate, and communicate more!
OOPS- forgot to sign my comments. The "I wish list came from:
ReplyDeleteCindy
Granny Goes to School
Hi Cindy! Thanks for the "I wish" lists about student teaching. I think I'll print that and keep it handy to read every so often. It's wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI've only had three student teachers so. I'm not offering advice. Just wanted to wish you luck:)
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Thank you for the good wishes, Barbara! I'm sure it's going to be wonderful. I can't wait until we get started. Take care!
DeleteI had my first student teacher last year and absolutely loved her! They can be hit or miss and I'm glad you know that yours is going to be good! Help her stay up on her work. Depending on her college they may require her to do journal entries of her time with you or certain assignments. So on top of teaching they also have homework! Don't let her fall behind and if she starts to look overwhelmed sit her down and help her plan out what she needs to get done. That'll help her not feel so stressed. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAshley
email is ashleysanderson1@hotmail.com
DeleteThank you, Ashley. We have a short day every Wednesday for collaboration, so after reading your comment I asked her what her college would want her to do. She said it's up to me, so I to,d her that I might suggest she stay if there's something that could be beneficial, but that I'd really like her to have that time to get homework done. Thanks so much for your comment!
DeleteI haven't had a student teacher...but when I student taught these are the two things that I am still loving and using today (11 years later)
ReplyDelete1) My cooperating teacher let me copy anything I thought I could use from her her files. A flash drive with files you have on computer may be an equivalent with today's tech.
2) She gave me a copy of Thank You, Mr. Falker! AMazing book and I cry every time I read with it...used it in my Master's Thesis...and use it with my class.
Good luck!
Laurie
Chickadee Jubilee
Terrific ideas! She would love that book too! Thanks so much!
DeleteI am going to be student teaching in the near future and here are some things that I would love to have from a cooperating teacher.
ReplyDelete-Constructive feedback on tips to improve with any little detail of teaching
-Open lines of communication to share ideas
-Stories from your student teaching
-Making it look easy, but sharing mistakes to show you aren't perfect
-Advice for post graduation (interviews, etc)
-Strong focus on behavior management tips (that's the biggest concern in my opinion)
-Being involved in all aspects such as decorating the classroom, lesson planning, prepping activities
-Organizational strategies is huge
-List of entire year of themes or order of teaching since I will only be there a semester
-A small welcome gift/book/letter to feel a part of the team and not an outsider
Hope that helps!
thepolishedteacher@gmail.com
ThePolishedTeacher
This is a great list! I will keep these things in mind to share with her. I remember that my first master teacher said the best thing she could share with me was how to organize! Hopefully I can pay it forward. I really appreciate you commenting!
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