Thank you for being you!!!

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Home : 2001 : March : 16

Thank you for being you!!!
By Amy

Hi, I am a student teacher just about to begin my second placement. I really think it is wonderful that teachers such as yourself take the time to help out a "teacher in training" so to speak! You are the kind of teacher
that really makes a difference, not only in the children that you teach, but also in the others that you become mentors to!
My first cooperating teacher was wonderful, but I have heard some horror stories! On my very first day, and throughout my first week, she introduced me to everyone that I encountered (from the secretary,janitor, aids, and other teachers). She made me feel welcome

right away. She made up a special plan book for me (with the first week filled in). We added to it as we planned the following weeks. I had my own desk, and she involved me with the children immediately. I had Kindergarten, so I read during story time, and helped out during her lessons. Each week my responsibilities increased until I was fully in charge.

Probably one of the most helpful things that she did, was to provide me with all of the resources she had. She went through her entire "Mailbox" magizine collection and brought them in for me (probably over 50)to take home and review/copy. She let me take home countless activity books also. I had free range of the copy machine at school to stock up on any materials that I wanted! Knowing in advance what would be covered each week was helpful and she gave me a copy of the different units that would be covered. She allowed me to be creative in anyway that I could, and gave me helpful tips when I needed direction! (Which all student teachers need).

Getting personal and telling me stories about when she first started out, helped me to see that she was once in my shoes. She is a wonderful teacher- so it was interesting to hear how far she had progressed also.

Upon my departure, the students made me a special book, and gave me a teacher's bag with all of their handprints on it. Inside of the bag were a number of children's books, and other teacher's supplies. My experience was wonderful, because my cooperating teacher was incredible. She made a difference in my life, as I am sure you will do the same for your student teacher.

: )Good luck, and enjoy your experience!