How to Prepare for Student Teaching

Here are a few ways to walk into your student teaching classroom as a professional, ready to focus on the curriculum, the school culture, and establishing your relations within the school setting.

FREMONT, CA: While your student teaching experience maybe even take months off, perhaps in the fall or the spring, there are important things you can do now to prepare for a successful venture. Primary, it's crucial to prepare mentally for the experience with rest and reorganizing your family responsibilities. But gearing up for your professional experience should also be a prime reason.

Everyday success in the classroom relies on your organization, planning, and understanding of the professional expectations that will foster your readiness and successful teaching results. Here are a few ways to walk into your student teaching classroom as a professional, ready to focus on the curriculum, the school culture, and establishing your relations within the school setting.

1. Build your teacher community of support.

Numerous people will be ready to assist you in your student teaching experience. Establish relationships with other teachers and education professionals, which will help you feel more comfortable in the classroom but will help ensure your personal development, professional growth, and benchmark achievements throughout your experience.

Obtain instructional materials and books ahead of time, and ask your host teacher for an early preview of content expectations and areas to research before entering your new role.

"I appreciated meeting the teachers, my supervisor, and knowing the school in advance," said Mrs. Courtney Hinerman, a recent demonstration teaching students and WGU alumni in K-12 SPED and Elementary General Education. "Knowing a book beforehand is helpful!".

2. Develop your instructional practices.

Begin to flag and search online resources and favorite sites to back lesson ideas and the development of your instructional practices. You will frequently need a quick turnaround in preparation, given you are stepping into a classroom as a teaching guest. Numerous online websites, articles, blogs, and teacher groups are specific to your interests, teaching style, and field of study. Be selective, reflective, and critical of the sites and videos you are modeling.

Since there are many great applications, use resources and select the sites best suited to your assignment and school community. Some famous books for new teachers include "The First-Year Teacher's Checklist" by Julia G. Also, "The First Days of School" by Harry Wong. Thompson is an early reference for classroom success.

Finally, find a comfy bag for your normal supplies such as pens, pencils, paper, dry erase markers, and sharpie markers.

3. Explore your new school community.

Using the district website, learn the various characteristics of your school community. It'sKnowing the student population you're working with to develop successful and engaging lesson activities is critical. The more you know the school and community resources and your student's interests, experiences, and values, the more you'll develop ways to integrate experiences into your lesson planning that relate to their interests.

You could integrate local events such as state or county fairs, festivals, or other unique experiences into your lessons. Additionally, locate other professionals within the school community, such as artists and people from different industries, to come and speak in your classroom.

These preparations will pave the way for better time and classroom management. Binding your curriculum to real-life events tells your students that you care about their learning and what is essential and of interest to them. When students know you care and are interested in their lives, they'll put more effort into the lessons, activities, and projects you assign. 

4. Build rapport with your students.

Note that teaching is not done to students; effective teaching and learning are done WITH students. Educator and author Rick Wormelli, well known for his best practices in differentiated instruction, said, "We can't teach students that we do not know."

Students feel most attached to their teachers when they recognize that the teacher understands them. Positive teacher-student relations are made based on the connections between emotions and thinking.

If you also have children of your own, Courtney suggests you volunteer for summer programs or special events where you can be around children. "To understand children, Volunteering can help you."

5. Keep your sense of humor.

Don't lose your sense of humor as you proceed through your student teaching. Always remain positive and look to the advantages of all teaching and learning experiences.

If a problem happens or you feel you made a mistake, fix it, learn from it, and do not get too agitated over it. You won't lose the students' respect unless you lose your cool and dignity. Reflect upon your actions and their impact on your students, and even in the face of adversity, KNOW that you are prepared. You are already successful in reaching this milestone.

"Each day is a new opportunity to do your best," said Dr. Berry. "Follow the path of success and leave the past behind." 

Teaching is a demanding but fulfilling career, and student teaching prepares you to learn and adapt to the demands and responsibilities of the job. If you take the time now to satisfy these preparations, you'll already be on your way to starting your successful new career.