| After all the course work, exams, and projects, you | | | | ineffectively cramming everything in at the last |
| finally get the chance to take over a classroom and | | | | moment. |
| become a student teacher. This position is the | | | | Be a Good Communicator - From day one make sure |
| launching pad into a successful teaching career. A less | | | | you are an excellent communicator with your |
| than desirable experience can create a negative | | | | cooperating teacher and other professionals in the |
| impact on your job search. Avoid common pitfalls and | | | | school. Arrive at school each day with a positive |
| make the most of your student teaching experience | | | | attitude. Look for ways to help the cooperating |
| by following these five tips. | | | | teacher during the initial observation period. Make it |
| Be Organized - Know what is expected of you. | | | | clear that you desire to be involved in the classroom. |
| Chances are your college and university will require | | | | Volunteer to complete tasks and don't be afraid to |
| you to complete a lot of tasks during your student | | | | politely make suggestions. Many student teachers are |
| teaching experience. In addition to taking over the | | | | uncomfortable with their cooperating teachers. Often |
| traditional teacher duties, you may have a portfolio | | | | it is over a small issue that if discussed can be easily |
| to create, reflections to write, and observations to | | | | resolved. Perhaps your cooperating teacher gives you |
| arrange. Set timelines for your tasks and stick to | | | | all her old lessons plans, and you feel pressured to |
| them. Create a calendar for all the projects you need | | | | teach exactly the way she does. Likely, she was just |
| to complete. If you need the help of your | | | | trying to be helpful. Politely explain what is expected |
| cooperating teacher or college supervisor for a task, | | | | of you and thank her for her assistance. Chances are |
| make sure to have it arranged well in advance. A | | | | you were making a conflict where one didn't even |
| whole semester of student teaching may sound like | | | | exist. |
| a long time, but you want to make sure you aren't | | | | |