My Tips and Advice: Student Teaching |
| 1. Review The Curriculum |
| Review the curriculum. A good cooperating teacher should know what topics you will be responsible for and on or around you starting dates for these lessons. Ask for a teachers editions and workbooks to gather facts and ideas. |
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| 2. Contact the school |
| Call your assigned school in August. Ask if you can come for a visit, especially if your cooperating teacher is there. Most teachers begin to go back to their rooms in August, so take time and join them. S/he will appreciate the help. |
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| 3. Observations |
| Set up an observation schedule. It is very important to have an idea of the different approaches used in a classroom. It is not a good idea to mimic the teacher if you are not comfortable with his or her style. By setting up observations before you begin teaching, you allow yourself to see others in action and you give your co-op a break from shadowing her all day. Every one wins with this step. |
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| 4. Help!! |
| Help to grade papers; offer to run off papers (once you are trained), rotate around the room helping students, especially helpful in math class. Do this by taking the co-op´s lead. Ask before you leap. |
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| 5. Getting To Know Students and Parents |
| Prepare a letter introducing yourself to your students and parents. This does not have to be lengthy, but it should include your role in the classroom, educational background, and it should stress your appreciation and availability to students and parents. |
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| 6. Read Up |
| Use the school or college library to go through some instructional magazines: Classmate, Mailbox and Instructor are great. Look specifically for the "Back To School" issues. Get an idea for a start of the year bulletin board. Ask for permission to put up a bulletin board. This shows you are ambitious and eager to help. Teachers like to know that you appreciate their willingness to share their room and that you want to help and be a part of the room. |
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| 7. Principals |
| As you gain confidence and classroom experience, invite the Principal to write an observation for you. Working with your co-op and practicing and preparing carefully could land you the job you want. |
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| 8. Building Rapport With Your Cooperating Teacher |
Meet the cooperating teacher as soon as possible after you receive your assignment. Visit the classroom to learn more about the teacher´s style and find out about supplies in advance.
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| 9. Early To Start, Late To Leave |
| As the year begins, find out if your co-op is an early morning arriver or after-school dweller. If possible, adjust your schedule to hers. It may sound annoying, but you will both be really busy through the day and a regular, convenient meeting time is very important. |
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| 10. Come In Early |
| Come in early. You can get a jump on topics you are responsible for teaching. Find out which books to read, and read these books before you read with the children. Staying one or two steps ahead will give you confidence and allow you to plan, not just survive. If you decide to take this step, make sure you have a copy of the trade book for yourself. Highlight vocabulary words and good comprehension facts to use later on. |
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| 11. Thank You! |
| Don´t forget to send a thank-you card to all involved. People remember acts of courtesy. |
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| 12. Getting To Know You |
| The office is the hub of the school. Stop often to say, "Good Morning!" "Can I deliver anything to Mrs. So-and-so? Be friendly and smile. This will benefit you over and over again. The staff will be rooting for you! |
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| 13. Building Rapport With Your Cooperating Teacher |
•Meet the cooperating teacher as soon as possible after you receive your assignment. Visit the classroom to learn more about the teacher´s style and find out about supplies in advance.
•Keep an open mind. Remember that you are a guest in the classroom and that you are there to learn. Even when the cooperating teacher disagrees with you, try to learn from the experience.
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| 14. Introducing Yourself |
•Be sure to smile.
•Write your name on the board. This helps the students remember your name and gives them a chance to write it down.
•Pronounce your name slowly and clearly. If your name is unusual or difficult to pronounce, you may want to talk about the origin of your name.
•Talk about your teaching experience or your motivation for becoming a teacher. Be creative.
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| 15. Tips for Effective Student Teaching |
| Set aside time each day to plan for classes. Have a plan ready for your first day. |
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