be careful

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : November : 4

be careful
By an experienced teacher who DOE

Dear Michelle,
I appreciate your concern -- it is probably wisdom to be aware that your two coorperating teachers are friends.

I would encourage you though to really think about some things that you did learn with
the first teacher and be prepared to share those if the conversation arises. Do not talk about your frustrations from your first experience to the second teacher -- that would be unwise for several reasons, which I am sure you realize.
Also, take confidence, you have more experience now -- every little bit adds up to being a great teacher down the road.
Finally, a word of caution, the

previous poster (AM)had some good advice, but I have some reservations about the attitude behind it. Cooperating teachers are doing this because indeed they DO have something to share, not just because they think they do. Frankly, they are sharing their class with you -- which is a huge benefit to you. Assume and expect that this experience will be of great value to you. I give you this exhortation from experience -- when I, now an experienced teacher with a student teacher myself, reflect on the things I thought as a student teacher,I want to kick myself for having such a self-righteous, arrogant attitude.
I student taught 3 times (different areas) and by the time I was done, I was exhausted, but I learned soooo much. Even now, 15 years later I draw on those experiences.

Persevere.