Student teaching questions and answers

In an Instagram poll, I asked, what questions do you have about student teaching or teaching in general? During this episode, we cover five common student teaching questions. From how to work with a co-op and classroom expectations and time management and edtech, we cover it all. We cover the following questions about student teaching.

• "How to manage the work and social life aspect of teaching. I've managed it somewhat over the year of pre-student teaching and student teaching in kindergarten, but I'm still struggling. Mine is how to set boundaries for yourself between school and home."

• "Finding the balance of managing classroom behavior. But not having too many rules or appearing mean."

• "How can we do a good job of trying new things and making practicums our own without ruining established classroom procedures? I'm so nervous to try new things it causes issues for my mentor teacher."

• "What ways can you cope when you and your co-op have completely different teaching philosophies?"

• "What are some ways you can transform worksheets?"

Question 1: "How to manage the work and social life aspect of teaching. I've managed it somewhat over the year of pre-student teaching and student teaching in kindergarten, but I'm still struggling. Mine is how to set boundaries for yourself between school and home."

• The concept of balance is a unicorn - it doesn't exist! There will never be a perfect 50/50 balance between social and academic life. It will be more workdays and more social time days at times.

• Pick one day of the week on which you will leave on contract time.

• Schedule time in your daily and weekly calendar for you.

• Protect your time.

• Review your schedule and choose your commitments.

Question 2: How do I manage classroom behavior without having too many rules or appearing mean?

• Instead of thinking about roles, think about expectations. What are your expectations?

• Discuss procedures with students

• Continue to build relationships with your students.

• When students enter your classroom, make sure that they know that they feel valued.

Question 3: How can we do an excellent job of trying out new things in the classroom without ruining a teacher's classroom rules and procedures?

• Have that conversation with your cooperating teacher.

• Be open and upfront about it.

• Share with your co-op, "Here's how I plan to use it. What do you think about it? Do you think this would be appropriate for your students? How do you think your students would do with it?"

• Make sure you have a plan and a clear expectation for the plan. How will it benefit everyone? Share your reasoning behind using the tool, technique, or strategy. Communicate with your cooperating teacher.

Question 4: How can you cope when you and your co-op have completely different teaching philosophies?

• Don't worry if you and your co-op aren't best friends. You can still learn from one another.

• Reflect on the methods your co-op is using.

• Consider how you can teach the content in your style

• For example, if a teacher uses PowerPoint to present a lesson and students do guidance, maybe next time you can use a Nearpod instead. Students will now have some formative assessment checks. It's keeping the same style, but you're adding your flavor.

Question 5: My co-op loves worksheets. How do I get off the worksheet train?

• It's not always a bad thing to use worksheets.

• The worksheet offers many different ways for students to respond, but it keeps the same questions, and you can customize how they interact with it.

• I would suggest trying out some technology. For example, try out Wizer, Wordwall, ClassKick, or Teachermade.

Remember you have the EduMagic in YOU.