As You Begin
By this time you are ready for student teaching. You have met the criteria for admission to student teaching. You have a reasonably adequate background of general and professional education. You have participated in various kinds of experiences with children and/or youth. And, most importantly, you feel a kind of confidence that you have chosen the profession that is for you.
The purpose of student teaching is to test that confidence and bring it to maturity through actual teaching experience. You may discover weaknesses you didn't know you had. But much more, you will discover strengths that will help you cope with those weaknesses.
Through student teaching you will acquire further competence for teaching by applying principles of reflective teaching. Reflective teaching involves translating professional know-how into informed practice and continuously evaluating your effectiveness as a classroom teacher.
The best thing about student teaching is that it gives you a chance to test your skill under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Make the most of this opportunity!
Prior to the start of Opening School Experience and each placement, send an email to your cooperating teacher as a way of introduction and to find out your teacher's expectations for your first day.
Perhaps you have already visited the school to which you are assigned. If not, Opening School Experience and the Cooperating Teachers' Dinner will provide you with an opportunity to get acquainted with your supervising teacher. This teacher is legally responsible for the pupils and you will not assume more authority than s/he is willing to delegate to you.
Student teachers are required to participate in Opening School Experience preceding the start of the school year. Fall and spring student teachers are placed in the classroom of their first student teaching placement to experience a teacher's responsibilities in opening the classroom and school year. Opening School Experience is scheduled to begin 1-2 weeks prior to the beginning of EMU's fall semester depending on your first placement school division's academic calendar.
Your university consultant carries direct responsibility for supervising you as a student teacher. Your university consultant for each placement will visit you in the classroom five or more times if you are working with a non-clinical faculty teacher or two or more times if working with a clinical faculty teacher, and will also conduct individual conferences with you. Those seeking 6-12 or PreK-12 licensure should expect visits from faculty members in the teacher education department program and a content specialist.
You are a student teacher; a "co-teacher." That means that you do not try to make the classroom revolve around you, but it also means that you do not turn into a "wallflower" and fail to be actively involved in the situation. Even though you will spend large amounts of time in observation, especially the first week, use these times for active observation of the dynamics of the classroom and not just for sitting. If observing becomes boring to you, it's probably your fault. It may even mean that you have not yet developed the desired insights to be a successful teacher.
Spend your observation hours noting the supervising teacher's methods and trying to understand why they are used. Study both the group and individual behavior of pupils. See how quickly you can learn pupils' names by making your own seating chart. Develop an awareness of the classroom routines and courtesies expected of pupils.
Remember that you are now a professional person. Dress like a teacher, act like a teacher, and try to think like a teacher. Use professional titles with your new colleagues; never use the first name of another teacher or student teacher when addressing pupils.
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