“Fitting In” as a Student Teacher
It is very important to remember that not only are you a guest of the supporting school, you are a professional educator soon to be seeking a teaching position. Enter into your student teaching with the mindset this is already your job. Remember to hold yourself to the highest standards in what I like to call, the professional educators’ A E I O U. Attitude, Energy, Interest, Opportunities, and Understanding.
Keep a positive Attitude in all situations. The teachers and administration will take note. Avoid any “Teacher’s Lounge Politics” sometimes present in schools. Be careful not to say too much or too little. Over doing it either way can hurt you. Smile, be positive and let others know that you are proud to be a part of their school. Do not grumble about the students, other teachers, food, administration or anything. Keep your attitude in check at all times. A positive attitude will take you a long way.
Your Energy level will help you go the extra mile throughout the day. Get plenty of rest at night and eat a well balanced diet. You will be surprised at how fast you will lose energy when you begin your student teaching. Always leave for the school early with plenty of time to spare. You never know when traffic might hold you up. Never be late to the school and try not to ever leave early. Plan your personal appointments well after the school day has ended. Make every effort to be present for every day of your assignment . If there is an emergency and you must be out, call the school and cooperating teacher as soon as possible to let them know.
Share your educational Interests with the other teachers. It is always good to broaden your professional network of contacts. You never know whom a co-worker knows. By telling them your true educational interest, they might have some good suggestions or contacts that might help you reach your goal. Don’t be pushy. Just be genuine and sincere. Know when to speak and more importantly, when to listen. Ask the other teachers for help when it is needed. Share your ideas with the other teachers and ask them for their input on different topics. It won’t take you long to learn which teachers are going to be helpful and which teachers want to be left alone. When you realize which teachers want to be left alone, show them respect and give them their space.
Look for Opportunities to get involved. Ask other teachers if you can be of assistance to them. Be approachable to the other faculty and staff members. Let them know who you are and that you would like to learn from their expertise. Take the opportunity to meet the office staff, lunchroom workers, janitors and every other staff member. Most people want to be around friendly upbeat people and like I mentioned earlier, you never know who has the ear of the person in charge of hiring. Don’t be “fake” just be you.
Try to be very Understanding of all situations and people you meet. Every student is a “little person” with needs. It is easy to love being around the popular child or educator, but it takes a true professional to openly respect all persons. Also before making a decision, make sure you understand all the facts behind the situation. Sometimes, all is not as it seems. Try to understand when you are asked to do different type tasks from your cooperating teacher or school administration there must be a reason for doing so.
At the end of your student teaching experience, remember to show thanks to the cooperating teacher and administration in some way. A hand written note, a pie (my favorite) or fruit basket are just a couple of ways of saying thanks, and that you hope to be back there soon, like in the fall when the new school year starts, as a part of the faculty.