Submitted by Kathleen Bragle, New York
Idea posted March 1, 2002
I have had many student teachers and have loved it. They have all been different - some with stronger skills than others - but ALL of my student teachers have come to me with a great desire to do their best. That quality I credit to their wonderful methods teacher who pulls no punches, tells it like it is, and is honest to the core with them. Sooooo, I feel that because they came so well prepared with such a great attitude, THAT has made life so enjoyable for me. I do realize that I am very fortunate.
My biggest suggestion has to do with honesty. Tell the student teacher that you will be brutally honest in all things. You want her to do her best; you want this to be a good learning experience for her, too. You also love the children you teach and want THEM to benefit from her presence. You are sure that she has much to share with them! You will not embarrass her in front of the children and will talk privately with her if you see something being done that could be done better.
Get her involved ASAP with the children in classroom activities, and as soon as you feel comfortable, let her go... Don't let her sit and observe you too long. She can watch what you are doing and listen to how you speak to the kids while still doing her thing.
Tell her that in a way, the whole student teaching "thing" is more than a bit awkward. You're (the student teacher) in charge, but not really, so there is an artificiality about it all. Nevertheless, you will get past that, and it will be a great learning experience.
Share with her any specific methods you have of doing things. I always go through my method of music reading which is not done that often around here. I show her charts, letters to parents, etc.
I introduce her to our principal first thing, then faculty and the custodian, and then take her on a "tour" of the school.
I have all ready for her on the first day, a packet containing the music schedule, the master schedule, class lists, a confidential medical list, a diagram of the school, a list of special ed. students, names of the aides, and which teachers they are assigned to.
Find time each day to sit and talk. In the beginning, jot down notes that you can hand to her to think about and look at. PROMISE yourself that, hard as it might be, you will be honest with her and hope the words come out right. It's all about being the very best that you can be...
Share with her catalogs, materials, instruments, Music K-8 (!!!!!), and other invaluable resources that you have used. Encourage her to start a journal/notebook where she can keep track of these resources.
Give her some time to observe some dynamite classroom teachers in your building. Of course, check with them ahead of time. Also, give her a chance to observe another music teacher in your district who might teach a grade level you don't have. In our district, there is a wonderful teacher who works in a K-1 school and all those children eventually come to my school - which is Grades 2-5. I ALWAYS send my student teachers to observe her one morning. It is a real eye opener!!
At some point during her tenure, you should talk about her final evaluation that her college requires. Again, with this wonderful faculty member whom I worked with, the student knew not to expect all Excellents. I was then able to remind her of this - so often with time and more experience certain skills come around. We are ALL "works in progress" (I really feel that way about myself - that I am still learning to be better - and I tell them that). That way, when the final evaluation comes around, there will be no surprises.
If she has a "senior recital," find out the date and be sure to be there! It means a lot.
As she watches you work and gradually takes over, she will SEE what your philosophy of teaching is all about - BUT - DO take the time to talk to her about how you feel about teaching, working with colleagues, parents, and curriculum. I guess what I mean is, let her know how you feel in your HEART about this job that you love. SHARE THIS WITH HER. Don't assume that she knows.
Oh brother, this is so long! I haven't had a student teacher this year, and I guess I am missing that! Do enjoy this experience! I hope that the above suggestions will be of some help!