[tinkerbell498]

i teach a private prek class in a child development center and i am being assigned a student teacher. she will be with me from november 9 - december 23. what do i do? what do i expect? what is expected of me? i am a little ...scared, unsure, and wanting to go into this experience with an understanding. TIA

[hjmcdani]

Currently being a student teacher myself and just finishing my first placement in a lower level grade, I can give you insight on what student teachers want in a mentor teacher! I am sure the student teachers university or college will give you specific details on what the student teacher must complete while in your classroom.

I really liked to mentor teacher I was assigned. However, we have VERY different teaching styles. So, I think you should have an open mind. Let your student teacher try new things, even if you would not do them the same way. Be prepared to answer lots of questions (as student teachers we are curious and still learning)! Give advice but let your student teacher figure out things for her or himself on occasion. Most of all undestand that your student teacher isn't going to do everything perfect! We are still learning and make lots of mistakes!

[learn2teach22]

I am a student teacher also and I have worked with two supervising teachers so far. I really liked the first teacher who I worked with in second grade. She encouraged me to take a very active role within the classroom even though I was still learning. At the beginning, she had me take over routine things like the attendance, lunch count, and calendar each day. This helped me feel more comfortable and it helped the students get used to me. Then, she had me teach easy lessons to the students. My first "practice" lesson was handwriting. When I got more comfortable with teaching, I started teaching the more in-depth lessons that were required and were observed. My teacher also had me work with small groups frequently while she was working with another.

I also agree with the previous post that it's important to be open-minded and flexible since everyone does things differently. I'm sure that if you provide enough guidance and encouragement, but let your student teacher figure things out for herself, she will love working with you!

[stevensonu11]

I am a student teacher myself in my second year of field placement. I am currently placed in a second grade classroom all day on Tuesdays. I agree with the pervious postings that it is very important to be open-minded because everyone does not teach the same way. I feel it's extremely important for the teacher to encourage student teachers to actively participate in classroom activities on days they are there. Some student teachers may be more apprehensive then others, but it's a really important experience to have. I think getting them involved in simple tasks first allows them to get to know your class, as well as your class get to know them. Make sure the student teacher in your classroom feels comfortable asking you questions…we are learning along the way and there is TONS to learn from you! I really love that my supervising teacher treats me “like another teacher” and makes sure that in the classroom all the students respect me. This is something she set up from day one; she made sure to introduce me appropriately and explain to the students that I was there to help her teach them throughout the year. Communicate with your student teacher and all will go well!! Good luck! Enjoy it! I have had really great experiences student teaching so far!

[tinkerbell498]

Thank you for all of your responses! I am very nervous so any other advice is greatly appreciated!