Student Teacher Tips

Summary

In this video, Miss May shares her top student teaching tips for aspiring teachers. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, being humble, and staying professional, particularly in appearance and punctuality. She advises against engaging in gossip and encourages student teachers to document their experiences in a journal and take photos to build a portfolio. Miss May also stresses the importance of enjoying the experience, going above and beyond, and being true to oneself. Her advice is geared toward helping student teachers succeed and stand out during their teaching journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stay positive and humble: Enter the classroom with a positive attitude, be eager to learn, and remain humble. No matter your past experiences or the behavior of others, optimism and humility are key.
• 👗 Maintain professionalism in appearance: Always dress professionally, avoid looking unkempt or inappropriate. Remember, first impressions matter and people notice.
• ⏰ Be punctual: Arriving 10-15 minutes early shows dedication and readiness. This gives you time to prepare and help your cooperating teacher if needed.
• 📝 Keep a teaching journal: Use a journal to note down your thoughts, questions, ideas, daily pros and cons, and ways to improve. Writing things down helps ensure you don't forget important details.
• 📸 Document with photos: Take pictures of activities, ideas, and classroom setups (with approval) to build a portfolio. This is useful for interviews and showcasing your experience.
• 📱 Use your phone appropriately: Only use your phone for professional reasons, like taking classroom pictures, and ensure your cooperating teacher is aware of this purpose.
• 🎯 Create a portfolio: Build a student teaching binder with lesson plans, evaluations, pictures, and letters of recommendation. This can serve as a valuable tool during interviews.
• 🤝 Avoid drama and gossip: Stay away from school drama or gossip, maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor at all times.
• 📅 Show initiative: Be proactive by offering to help and contributing to the classroom. Always stay prepared so you don’t need to scramble later.
• 🎉 Enjoy the experience: Embrace the journey, showcase your best self, and take pride in your efforts. Nervousness is normal, but with a positive outlook, the experience can be incredibly rewarding.

Q & A

What is Miss May’s first tip for student teachers?

Miss May’s first tip is to maintain a positive attitude. She emphasizes the importance of being eager, willing, and going above and beyond in the classroom. A positive attitude can set student teachers apart from others who may not put in the extra effort.

Why does Miss May recommend having a humble spirit during student teaching?

Miss May recommends having a humble spirit because no matter how much you may think you know about teaching, the real experience is different. She suggests being open to learning, accepting constructive criticism, and not acting like a 'know-it-all,' even if you have suggestions to offer.

How should student teachers approach professionalism in appearance?

Miss May advises student teachers to dress professionally, avoiding attire that is too casual or inappropriate for a classroom setting. She suggests that if you're questioning whether your outfit is too short or revealing, it probably is, and advises keeping nails and hair well-groomed.

Why is it important to stay out of school drama, according to Miss May?

Miss May emphasizes that professionalism also means staying out of school drama and avoiding gossip. She advises student teachers to keep relationships professional and avoid sharing personal life stories, as people are always watching and talking.

What does Miss May mean by 'stay ready so you don't have to get ready'?

By 'stay ready so you don't have to get ready,' Miss May means that student teachers should arrive 10-15 minutes early to prepare for the day. This allows time to settle in, use the restroom, or handle any tasks from the cooperating teacher, so they’re ready to start on time.

Why does Miss May recommend keeping a student teaching journal?

Miss May recommends keeping a journal to jot down thoughts, questions, ideas, pros and cons of the day, and ways to improve. Writing things down helps student teachers remember important information, as they will be learning and doing a lot during their student teaching experience.

How should student teachers use their phones in the classroom?

Miss May advises against using phones for social media during student teaching. However, if student teachers need to use their phones for taking pictures of classroom activities or ideas, they should first discuss it with their cooperating teacher to ensure it's appropriate.

What should student teachers include in a portfolio?

Miss May recommends including a variety of items in a portfolio, such as a table of contents, personal information, teaching philosophy, lesson plans, behavior management strategies, and any letters of recommendation. Having a well-organized portfolio helps during interviews and shows off accomplishments.

How does Miss May suggest managing classroom behavior?

Miss May believes that classroom management is one of her strengths, and she suggests creating class rules with students through interactive writing. She emphasizes the importance of creating a warm, cozy, yet well-managed environment for students.

What is Miss May’s final tip for student teachers?

Miss May’s final tip is to enjoy the experience and be true to yourself. She encourages student teachers to show principals and other teachers what they are capable of, maintain a positive attitude, and make the most of their time in the classroom.