Student Teacher Blog

[Sarah Kane]

Here we get to hear the experiences of our student teachers.

[Jessica]

Hi All!

I am just writing my first blog post about student teaching. I am in my fifth week of student teaching, and I can not express how much learning has taken place. Going from our classroom to being in front of the classroom is such a different experience. This week I had my first SNOW DAYS as an educator, and it was wonderful! I know I chose the right profession because the snow days made me feel like a little kid again! I will say though that snow days really aren't days "off" because you are still working to re-work lessons and fit things in better.

MY ONE BIG ADVICE!!--always always always be prepared. You can get ahead, but you can only get ahead so much. However, if you only prepare the night before teaching a lesson, it will not work out. Also, try to prepare a ton of information! It's always better to be over-prepared for a 41 minute period than under-prepared. Believe me! It is not a good feeling when you finish a lesson and you realize there is ten minutes left. NOT A GOOD feeling!

[Sarah Kane]

Thanks for the advice, Jess!

Are you teaching your own unit?

[Jessica]

Yes, I am teaching my own unit. However, you have to remember that we are guests in ANOTHER person's classroom. The classroom isn't ours. Some cooperating teachers will expect you to follow what they do, but others will let you have free reign. Fortunately, my cooperating teacher allowed me free reign, so I could do what I wanted with it. One thing! You have to remember is reality!! As teachers we need to be quick to adapt, so it may be disconcerting when you come up with this great idea and you don't have the tools to do it. Or, it may be a disappointment when you realize that your teacher has a limited amount of novels.

I am learning daily that I am not superwoman, and I will never be. I'm human and will have my off and on days. Be passionate, but have a tough skin. Keep asking yourself WHY WHY Why? Reflect, Reflect, Reflect. I feel myself wanting to do seven thousand things at once. WE CAN'T!

[Sarah Kane]

Thanks, Jess. it's great to hear from a true student teacher!

What is your unit on?