A few other ideas

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2006 : June : 7

A few other ideas
By G.

I have had 3 student teachers. The first was in Sept of my 2nd year of teaching and I was also the team leader of 16 teachers - this was not the best experience for anyone. Not to mention the ST didn't want to be there and
thought the whole experience was a waste of time. SO - live and learn.
Since then, I have had 2 wonderful ST who have actually become great friends of mine. One did my long term sub for me while I was out last year and she is now my teammate. I hope the same for the most recent one.
I try to go out of my way to make the ST feel like she is part of our school. I tell the kids that

they will have 2 teachers for X # of weeks and we are both in charge (it is important to support them and only point out areas improvement after the kids go home). I have them attend all mtgs and parent conf/IEP's with me, etc.
THe first day they come in, I have a desk set up with some basic office supplies and I always get them one of those "Show Off" boxes and put about 10 hanging file folders in it. I label the box "Teaching Treasure Box" with a big treasure chest on it. WHile they are in my room - they can collect and organize anything they want in that box. By the time they are done - it is over flowing with stuff they can take into their own classroom someday. Both have shared their boxes with others and have loved taking all of these resources. The first few days they observe and take notes in a journal. I also let them browse through all my files so they can see what is available as they begin to lesson plan. I let them take home TE's so they can really dive into them and plan (although most planning is done as a team afterschool so they aren't out of their own on that).
It is important to leave the room too - this helps build their confidence as they take over your classroom (although some places may have a policy against this).
Hope these ideas help. I have enjoyed my last two TE's and have been blessed to get two new friends out of the deal!
-g