Advice

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Home : 2004 : November : 27

Advice
By Teach3rd

I have only been teaching for a few years and have not yet had a student teacher, but here's advice that I was and was not given during my own student teaching experience.

First, make her (or him) feel as comfortable
as possible before she even steps foot in front of your students. Invite her in before her first day, maybe during a long prep period or before or after school one day. Introduce her to office staff, the principal and other teachers in the building. Show her where the bathroom and faculty room is located.
Next and this is important, make sure that she knows where to locate and is

aware that she has access to the following: copy machine, laminator, binding machine, Elson machine (equipment for cut-outs), television with VCR/DVD player, laptops/document-based camera (if applicable), overhead projectors and the schools' professional library. Then let her know that she has access to your professional books and resources and show her where you keep them. This is important because she shouldn't have to feel obligated to spend her money on things that she has access to for free.

I definitely like the class book idea, this will allow her to get to know the students. I would also set up a schedule where the two of you can sit down and plan out lessons. You can also use this time to give feedback on her progress. Always be up front and honest with her and let her know to ask what ever questions she may have. As for the teaching aspect, offer her ideas, but also require that she bring in her own. Explain your classroom management system to her, but also allow her to make modifications if necessary. Everyone has a different style of teaching, allow her to explore her own. I would also recommend letting her sit in on parent-teacher conferences and any meetings you attend, the more experience the better.

From what it seems, you are going to be great mentor for this student teacher. I hope this advice helped. Good Luck and keep us updated on your experience!