16 Must-Know Tips for Student Teachers Starting in the Fall

Getting ready for student teaching in the fall is essential for new educators who want to succeed in their teaching careers. Aspiring teachers should focus on implementing effective classroom management strategies, building relationships with mentor teachers, and understanding the community context. Additionally, gaining professional development through webinars, getting familiar with educational technology, and emphasizing social-emotional learning are important steps.

This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on classroom routines, professional attire, and continuous learning to help student teachers excel in their roles. Explore these tips to ensure a smooth and impactful transition into the teaching profession.

16 Essential Tips for Student Teachers

1. Read Crush if from the Start: 50 tips for new teachers

2. Classroom Management: Develop one or two management strategies to implement during student teaching. It's important to have a backup plan in case your primary strategy doesn't work out.

   • https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OlVjx87aEditcZot7O0vYdsMEppA0NbrGB57tD86WHE/copy

3. Connect with Your Mentor Teacher: Reach out to your cooperating teacher during the summer to express your interest and request curriculum materials, insights into the school and students, as well as a daily schedule. This preparation can assist you in creating better lessons.

   • Resource - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cooperating-Teacher-Email-Checklist-11701566

4. Community and Context: Familiarize yourself with the community where you'll be teaching. Visit local spots such as barber shops, coffee shops, and libraries to learn about the neighborhood. Follow local news to understand the issues affecting your students.

5. Professional Resources: Follow social media groups or educators aligned with your grade level. Create a spreadsheet with links and monthly ideas for easy reference.

6. Standards and Curriculum: Review the educational standards for the grades before and after the one you'll be teaching to understand what students should have mastered and where they are headed next.

7. Literature and Content Knowledge: If possible, read novels and other relevant content at the grade level you will be teaching. Get familiar with key topics and materials in advance.

8. Professional Development: Attend webinars, participate in professional learning networks (PLNs), and pursue volunteer opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge.

9. Educational Technology: Learn about new technology and educational software tools relevant to your grade level. Consider how to integrate these tools into your teaching.

   • Resource - https://sfecich.myflodesk.com/10edtechtools

10. Social-Emotional Learning: Increase your understanding of the social-emotional development of students at your grade level. Familiarize yourself with your school's policies and support services.

11. Health and Self-Care: To maintain well-being during the school year, establish a consistent sleep schedule, increase water intake, and learn self-care techniques.

12. Professional Attire: Invest in professional, comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. Thrift stores can be a great place to find affordable professional attire.

    • Resource - https://www.sfecich.com/post/stylish-student-teacher

13. Practical Preparations: Plan your school routes considering traffic and stops, and leave on time to arrive on time.

14. Experience with Students: Gain experience working with children through day camps, youth groups, or other volunteer opportunities to find your teaching voice and build confidence in managing a group.

15. Routines and Procedures: Consider and plan how you would set up classroom routines and procedures. This exercise helps you understand what works best for you.

    • Resource - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OlVjx87aEditcZot7O0vYdsMEppA0NbrGB57tD86WHE/copy

    • Consider the following aspects:

• Morning Routines: Procedures for lining up, placing backpacks, morning circle activities, and setting expectations for morning choices.

• Hallway Behavior: Expectations for voice level, line spacing, and hand placement.

• Safety Drills: Procedures and behavior expectations for fire, tornado, and lockdown drills.

• Bathroom and Water: Rules for bathroom cleanliness and usage and signals for when students need a drink or to use the restroom.

• Classroom Rules: Location and enforcement of classroom rules and the behavior management system in place.

• Classroom Jobs: The different roles available, how they are performed, and the rotation schedule.

• Recess and Lunch: Procedures for dismissal, playground rules, and cafeteria behavior.

• Small and Whole Group Instruction: Expectations for interrupting, restroom signals, and voice levels.

• Classroom Library: Book care, check-out procedures, and cleanliness expectations.

• End of the Day: Procedures for packing up, dismissal, and completing end-of-day jobs.

1. Research and Continuous Learning: Research a topic of interest related to your grade level and consider publishing your findings. Start a blog to chronicle your teaching journey and share insights.

Getting ready for student teaching in the summer is all about planning, getting involved in the community, and keeping up with professional development. It's important to focus on things like managing the classroom, building strong relationships with mentor teachers, and really getting to know the community to set yourself up for a successful teaching experience. It's also crucial to embrace technology in education, understand social-emotional learning, and make sure to take care of yourself. These strategies will help new student teachers feel confident and excited to step into their roles, ready to inspire and educate the next generation.