Student Teaching Tips & Resources

Written by Kayla Tyson

What Is Student Teaching?

For those interested in a career in education, real-world experience is required before prospective teachers are allowed to run their own classrooms. Prospective teachers may have heard the phrase "student teaching" but may still wonder: What is student teaching?

Student teaching is a supervised field experience where prospective teachers can practice teaching in a real-world classroom setting. The purpose of student teaching is to provide aspiring teachers with hands-on experience, allowing them to apply the theories and concepts learned in their teacher preparation program. By having a veteran teacher guide them through the process, student teachers can develop their teaching skills and gain valuable feedback.

Prospective teachers must complete student teaching as part of their teacher preparation program; it is considered a crucial step in the licensure process. Additionally, most states require future teachers to pass teacher certification exams before obtaining a teaching license, including the TExES exam for licensure in Texas.

What Is Student Teaching Like?

Student teaching is a collaborative process involving three key players: the student teacher, the cooperating teacher, and the university-assigned supervisor.

The student teacher is the aspiring educator placed in a real-world classroom to gain hands-on teaching experience. The cooperating teacher is the experienced educator whose classroom the student teacher spends their time in. The cooperating teacher works alongside the student teacher, providing guidance, mentorship, and feedback. Finally, the university-assigned supervisor is a faculty member from the student teacher's education program who provides support and evaluates the student teacher's performance.

The cooperating teacher is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the classroom and supporting the student teacher in the development and implementation of lessons. The university-assigned supervisor visits the classroom regularly to observe the student teacher's performance and provide constructive feedback. They may fill out observation feedback forms or have scheduled meetings with the student teacher throughout their assignment, ultimately tasked with passing or failing the student teacher based on their performance.

Classroom duties for student teachers may vary, but they typically include co-planning and co-teaching lessons, leading small group activities, and facilitating student-led discussions. Student teachers should seek opportunities to take on different duties as needed, such as working with individual students, teaching whole-group lessons, managing the classroom, and collaborating with colleagues.

Student teaching provides aspiring teachers with a valuable opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience in a realistic classroom setting. They can see how real students respond to the teaching methods instructed by their university and develop a clearer picture of day-to-day life in a classroom. The roles of the cooperating teacher and the university-assigned supervisor are critical to ensuring that the student teacher receives the guidance and support needed to be successful in the classroom.

Student Teaching Tips

Student teaching can be both rewarding and challenging, but with the right approach, it can be a valuable experience for aspiring teachers. Here are eight student teaching tips to help up-and-coming teachers seeking student teaching advice:

By following these tips, student teachers can make the most of their student teaching experience, develop their skills, and gain valuable experience in the classroom.

Student Teaching Resources

Many different types of student teaching resources are available to help. Some of the most valuable resources include:

• Cooperating Teacher and University-Assigned Supervisor: Your cooperating teacher and university-assigned supervisor are both valuable resources who can provide guidance, support, and feedback. They chose to be in these roles because they want to help develop the next generation of teachers — they are passionate about the profession. They can help you navigate challenges and offer advice on developing your teaching skills.
• Former and Current Teachers: Other former and current teachers can be great resources for discussing issues or problems. They can offer insight into the challenges of teaching and provide support and advice. You can reach out to them through professional organizations, teacher groups, or online forums.
• Print and Online Resources: There are many resources available in print and online to help student teachers. These resources may include books, journals, websites, and online forums. They can provide information on many topics, such as classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment strategies.
• Professional Organizations: Professional organizations can be a great resource for student teachers. They offer support, networking opportunities, and access to resources and training.

Lesson Planning

Lesson planning is a critical aspect of teaching, and many resources are available to help student teachers with this process. The goals of lesson planning include:

• Ensuring that the lesson is aligned with educational standards and the curriculum.
• Creating a structure and plan for the lesson that is engaging and meaningful for students. This may involve an activator or hook, teacher-directed instruction, and independent practice.
• Evaluating whether learning objectives were reached through assessment data.
• Refining the lesson based on student learning and feedback.

Gaining experience with lesson planning is crucial for student teachers, as it helps to develop their teaching skills and ensures that they can effectively engage and support their students. Some resources available to help with lesson planning include:

1. Educational Resources: There are many resources available at colleges and universities that can help with lesson planning, including past textbooks, lectures, and assignments done as part of prior education. Former professors are also great resources to reach out to with questions. Educational resources can provide information on best practices, tips, and strategies for effective lesson planning.
2. Professional Development Opportunities: Professional development opportunities, such as workshops and conferences, can provide student teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to plan lessons effectively.
3. Cooperating Teacher and University-Assigned Supervisor: Your cooperating teacher and university-assigned supervisor can also be valuable resources for lesson planning. The cooperating teacher can share specific strengths and needs of their classroom, which will inform decision-making in lesson planning.

Many resources are available to help student teachers with lesson planning, including professional development opportunities, educational resources, and the cooperating teacher and university-assigned supervisor. By utilizing these resources, student teachers can develop their skills, gain confidence, and effectively support their students in the classroom.

Behavior Management

Understanding the school's disciplinary policies and behavior management strategies is essential in student teaching. Student teachers should take the time to discuss these topics with their cooperating teachers and observe how other teachers address them. This will help them develop their own behavior management strategies and ensure they can effectively manage student behavior in the classroom.

The importance of effective classroom management cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts student learning and engagement. By establishing clear and consistent rules and expectations, student teachers can create a positive learning environment that promotes student success.

Student teachers can find information on behavior management and disciplinary policies in a variety of places, including:

• School-Specific Behavior Systems: Most schools have a school-wide behavior management system in place. By learning the system of the district or county you will be teaching in, student teachers can incorporate specific rewards and consequences already in place in their schools. This saves the teacher's effort in creating a system from scratch.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Professional development opportunities, such as workshops and conferences, can provide student teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to manage student behavior effectively.
• Online Resources: There are many online resources available that can help with behavior management, including websites, videos, and online forums. These resources can provide information on behavioral management theories, practices, and strategies.
• Books and Journals: Books and journals on behavior management and classroom management can provide in-depth information and practical strategies for managing student behavior.

Understanding the school's disciplinary policies and behavior management strategies is critical in student teaching. Student teachers should take the time to discuss these topics with their supervising teacher, observe other teachers, and utilize resources such as school-wide systems, professional development opportunities, online resources, and books and journals. By doing so, they can develop their own effective behavior management strategies and create a positive learning environment for their students.

Student Teaching and Balancing Work and Life

Student teaching requires a significant time commitment, emotional and physical energy, and continuous adjustment to new and diverse teaching environments. Especially for students completing their student teaching while living among other college students, it can be demanding to be on a different schedule than their peers. To thrive and succeed during this time, student teachers should prioritize their well-being and engage in effective self-care practices.

• Work-Life Balance: Balancing the demands of student teaching with other life responsibilities, such as family and personal relationships, can be challenging. Student teachers must find ways to manage their time effectively and prioritize their commitments to ensure they do not become overwhelmed.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can help student teachers relieve stress and maintain physical and mental health. It can also provide an opportunity to recharge and refocus before returning to the demands of student teaching.
• Nutrition: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall health. Student teachers should aim to consume various foods, including fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, to ensure they get the nutrients they need to sustain their physical and mental health.
• Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for a student teacher's overall well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and decreased mental clarity, making it difficult to perform well in the classroom. Student teachers should strive to establish a consistent sleep routine and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Other Types of Self-Care: Student teachers should also consider engaging in other self-care practices, such as mindfulness and relaxation activities, hobbies for fun, and connecting with friends and family to support their mental and emotional well-being.

Taking care of oneself is crucial for student teachers to meet the demands of their role and thrive in the classroom. By prioritizing work-life balance, exercise, nutrition, sleep, and other self-care aspects, student teachers can ensure they are equipped to handle the challenges of student teaching and achieve success in their careers.

Benefits of the Student Teaching Experience

Student teaching provides numerous benefits that can help prepare for future careers as teachers. Some primary benefits are:

Becoming a Professional

Becoming a licensed teacher typically involves the following steps:

1. Education: Most states require aspiring teachers to complete a bachelor's degree in education or a related field and complete coursework in areas like child development, teaching methods, and educational psychology.
2. Student Teaching: After completing their education, aspiring teachers must complete a student teaching program in a real-world classroom setting. This provides hands-on experience and helps them develop the skills and confidence necessary for success as a teacher.
3. Certification: To become a licensed teacher, aspiring teachers must pass state certification exams, like the TExES in the state of Texas, which assess their knowledge of education, pedagogy, and content areas.

As student teachers learn to become professional educators, they should take the following actions to demonstrate their commitment to the teaching profession:

• Arriving at Work on Time: Being punctual and reliable is a noteworthy aspect of professionalism. Student teachers should arrive at school on time and be prepared to start the day.
• Dressing Appropriately: Professional attire can help establish a positive image and set a tone of respect and authority in the classroom. Student teachers should dress appropriately for their roles and in a manner consistent with school dress codes.
• Taking Advantage of Continuing Education Opportunities: Professional teachers are lifelong learners and continuously strive to improve their skills and knowledge. Student teachers should seek out opportunities for professional development and take advantage of workshops, conferences, and other educational opportunities.
• Avoiding Gossip: Professional teachers maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward colleagues, students, and families. They avoid gossip and negative comments and, instead, focus on building positive relationships and creating a supportive learning environment.
• Establishing Collegial Relationships: Building positive relationships with colleagues is essential for success as a teacher. Student teachers should seek opportunities to collaborate with other teachers, seek advice and support, and participate in professional development activities.
• Meeting Deadlines: Professional teachers are organized and efficient, and they can meet deadlines and manage their time effectively. Student teachers should prioritize their responsibilities, set goals and deadlines, and strive to meet them promptly.
• Respecting Confidentiality: Professional teachers maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of students and their families. They do not share information about students or families with others outside the school, except in cases where it is necessary to ensure the well-being of students.