How to Be a Good Student Teacher

Your student teaching year can be physically and emotionally exhausting. A good student teacher will still manage to be responsible, independent, committed to education, and keep a good sense of humor.

Things You'll Need

• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Calendars
• Personal Organizers

Instructions

1. Consult at length with your master teacher at the start of the term. Be sure you know what his or her philosophy of teaching and classroom objectives are before you make large plans for classroom activities.

2. Make arrangements with your master teacher to take a few minutes each day to discuss classroom events, possible future activities, and procedure.

3. Inform yourself about any particular school regulations that you and your students must abide by. Know the rules by heart so you can give definite answers to your students, who will be testing your authority.

4. Familiarize yourself with relevant legal issues, such as those concerning child abuse, substance abuse and sexual harassment among students.

5. Show genuine interest in your students' schoolwork and progress, and leave personal relationships with students to the school counselors.

6. Show initiative and independence by assuming responsibility for the preparation of individual lessons or entire learning units.

7. Show resourcefulness by gathering materials and introducing educational methods you are learning in your graduate studies.

Tips & Warnings

• Be professional in your speech, dress and attitude.

• Maintain a friendly but professional relationship with students, your master teacher and other faculty. Try to attend some of the school's social functions.

• Learn as much as you can about the school and the district. Many student teachers are hired by the schools where they do their training.

• Be prepared for a long, hard year. You will be taking graduate courses in education in addition to your five-day-per-week teaching schedule. You may have to juggle regular work hours if you also have a job.