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What can I expect from Student Teaching as an Elementary Education Major?
What can I expect from Student Teaching as an Elementary Education Major?
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Russell’s Answer
Dear Lilky - You've asked a pivotal question that every aspiring educator should ponder. Student Teaching is akin to an internship in the world of education, albeit without the monetary perks. I highlight this because I've noticed that not all students are cognizant of this practice. When they discuss it with peers from different fields, it can sometimes lead to a sense of disenchantment.
As you approach the culmination of your initial career preparation, rest assured that your university support team will meticulously choose a Cooperating Teacher for you. This individual has willingly agreed to mentor you and offer professional guidance as you apply the theories and methods you've learned throughout your teacher preparation coursework. This process generally adheres to the basic curriculum framework set by the teacher, the school, and the district. There may be instances when this plan doesn't perfectly align with some of the more forward-thinking ideas presented at the university. However, it will undoubtedly offer you significant opportunities to witness firsthand what education looks like in a real school setting. In most scenarios, your cooperating teacher will grant you the autonomy to design and execute some specific lessons of your choice. This will give you a taste of the time and effort required to prepare a high-quality lesson, while also allowing you to exercise your creativity.
The most enriching aspect of student teaching is the daily interactions with students. Building relationships with young minds involves much more than just a thorough understanding of educational theory. The bonds you nurture during your student teaching will offer you a sneak peek into what it will feel like when you build relationships with your future students.
Best of luck as you set sail on this incredible career journey. The children you'll impact are absolutely worth every effort.
As you approach the culmination of your initial career preparation, rest assured that your university support team will meticulously choose a Cooperating Teacher for you. This individual has willingly agreed to mentor you and offer professional guidance as you apply the theories and methods you've learned throughout your teacher preparation coursework. This process generally adheres to the basic curriculum framework set by the teacher, the school, and the district. There may be instances when this plan doesn't perfectly align with some of the more forward-thinking ideas presented at the university. However, it will undoubtedly offer you significant opportunities to witness firsthand what education looks like in a real school setting. In most scenarios, your cooperating teacher will grant you the autonomy to design and execute some specific lessons of your choice. This will give you a taste of the time and effort required to prepare a high-quality lesson, while also allowing you to exercise your creativity.
The most enriching aspect of student teaching is the daily interactions with students. Building relationships with young minds involves much more than just a thorough understanding of educational theory. The bonds you nurture during your student teaching will offer you a sneak peek into what it will feel like when you build relationships with your future students.
Best of luck as you set sail on this incredible career journey. The children you'll impact are absolutely worth every effort.
Laurie Pritchard, Ed. S., M.A.T.
Executive Trainer, Rocket Mortgage
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Laurie’s Answer
Hello, Lilky!
Excited to see someone interested in Elementary Education. I was an elementary teacher for 24 years and an elementary school principal for 6 years. It is a very rewarding career, as you have the privilege of positively impacting students' lives.
Student teaching will be a wonderful learning experience for you because you will be working in a real classroom with real students, not just reading about it. Most likely your cooperating teacher will ease you into teaching the entire day. You may start the first week by observing, learning the classroom routine, getting to know the students, and maybe taking on some small group lessons or checking papers. Typically, you will take on one subject each week (if your teacher is self-contained and teaches every subject) until you assume responsibility for teaching the entire day.
Be prepared to work very hard. You will need to learn to manage your time wisely as you plan lessons, gather materials, check papers, communicate with parents (with your cooperating teacher's support), attend staff meetings, and many other responsibilities that come with being a teacher. At times you will feel overwhelmed, so be sure to take advantage of your cooperating teacher's support, knowledge, and experience while you have them.
I will slightly disagree with Karissa's response about 5th and 6th grade being less desirable. Some people feel that Kindergarten and 1st grade are less desirable assignments. When you are student teaching, you will have some opportunities to explore all grade levels by observing other teachers so you can figure out what levels you prefer.
Best to you as you begin your career as an educator!
Excited to see someone interested in Elementary Education. I was an elementary teacher for 24 years and an elementary school principal for 6 years. It is a very rewarding career, as you have the privilege of positively impacting students' lives.
Student teaching will be a wonderful learning experience for you because you will be working in a real classroom with real students, not just reading about it. Most likely your cooperating teacher will ease you into teaching the entire day. You may start the first week by observing, learning the classroom routine, getting to know the students, and maybe taking on some small group lessons or checking papers. Typically, you will take on one subject each week (if your teacher is self-contained and teaches every subject) until you assume responsibility for teaching the entire day.
Be prepared to work very hard. You will need to learn to manage your time wisely as you plan lessons, gather materials, check papers, communicate with parents (with your cooperating teacher's support), attend staff meetings, and many other responsibilities that come with being a teacher. At times you will feel overwhelmed, so be sure to take advantage of your cooperating teacher's support, knowledge, and experience while you have them.
I will slightly disagree with Karissa's response about 5th and 6th grade being less desirable. Some people feel that Kindergarten and 1st grade are less desirable assignments. When you are student teaching, you will have some opportunities to explore all grade levels by observing other teachers so you can figure out what levels you prefer.
Best to you as you begin your career as an educator!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Liky,
Student Teaching as an Elementary Education Major
Overview of Student Teaching: Student teaching is a crucial component of the teacher preparation process for aspiring educators, especially for those majoring in Elementary Education. During student teaching, elementary education majors have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in their coursework in a real classroom setting under the supervision of an experienced mentor teacher. This hands-on experience allows future teachers to gain practical experience, refine their teaching techniques, and develop their classroom management skills.
Roles and Responsibilities: As a student teacher in elementary education, you can expect to gradually assume more responsibilities in the classroom as you progress through your placement. Initially, you may observe the mentor teacher, assist with lesson planning and preparation, and work with small groups of students. Over time, you will take on more teaching responsibilities, including delivering lessons, assessing student learning, and managing classroom dynamics. Student teachers are also expected to participate in parent-teacher conferences, staff meetings, and other school-related activities.
Collaboration and Feedback: Collaboration with your mentor teacher is a key aspect of the student teaching experience. Your mentor teacher will provide guidance, feedback, and support as you navigate the challenges of teaching in a real classroom. It is essential to communicate openly with your mentor teacher, seek advice when needed, and be receptive to constructive criticism. Additionally, collaborating with other school staff members, such as administrators and support staff, can enrich your student teaching experience and help you build a professional network.
Professional Development: Student teaching offers valuable opportunities for professional growth and development. By reflecting on your teaching practice, seeking feedback from mentors and peers, and engaging in professional development activities, you can enhance your skills as an educator. Taking advantage of workshops, seminars, conferences, and other learning opportunities can further enrich your student teaching experience and prepare you for a successful career in elementary education.
Challenges and Rewards: Student teaching can be both challenging and rewarding. Balancing the demands of teaching with coursework requirements can be stressful at times. However, overcoming these challenges can lead to personal growth and increased confidence as a teacher. The relationships you build with students, colleagues, and families during student teaching can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Conclusion: In conclusion, student teaching as an Elementary Education major offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a real classroom setting, collaborate with experienced educators, and develop essential teaching skills. By embracing the challenges and rewards of student teaching, aspiring elementary educators can prepare themselves for a successful career in education.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) - NCATE sets national standards for teacher preparation programs and provides accreditation to institutions that meet these standards. Their resources offer valuable insights into best practices for student teaching programs.
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) - AACTE is a leading organization that advocates for high-quality educator preparation programs. Their research and publications provide valuable information on effective student teaching practices.
U.S. Department of Education - The U.S. Department of Education offers resources on teacher preparation programs and guidelines for student teachers. Their publications can provide insights into policies related to student teaching in elementary education programs.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Student Teaching as an Elementary Education Major
Overview of Student Teaching: Student teaching is a crucial component of the teacher preparation process for aspiring educators, especially for those majoring in Elementary Education. During student teaching, elementary education majors have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in their coursework in a real classroom setting under the supervision of an experienced mentor teacher. This hands-on experience allows future teachers to gain practical experience, refine their teaching techniques, and develop their classroom management skills.
Roles and Responsibilities: As a student teacher in elementary education, you can expect to gradually assume more responsibilities in the classroom as you progress through your placement. Initially, you may observe the mentor teacher, assist with lesson planning and preparation, and work with small groups of students. Over time, you will take on more teaching responsibilities, including delivering lessons, assessing student learning, and managing classroom dynamics. Student teachers are also expected to participate in parent-teacher conferences, staff meetings, and other school-related activities.
Collaboration and Feedback: Collaboration with your mentor teacher is a key aspect of the student teaching experience. Your mentor teacher will provide guidance, feedback, and support as you navigate the challenges of teaching in a real classroom. It is essential to communicate openly with your mentor teacher, seek advice when needed, and be receptive to constructive criticism. Additionally, collaborating with other school staff members, such as administrators and support staff, can enrich your student teaching experience and help you build a professional network.
Professional Development: Student teaching offers valuable opportunities for professional growth and development. By reflecting on your teaching practice, seeking feedback from mentors and peers, and engaging in professional development activities, you can enhance your skills as an educator. Taking advantage of workshops, seminars, conferences, and other learning opportunities can further enrich your student teaching experience and prepare you for a successful career in elementary education.
Challenges and Rewards: Student teaching can be both challenging and rewarding. Balancing the demands of teaching with coursework requirements can be stressful at times. However, overcoming these challenges can lead to personal growth and increased confidence as a teacher. The relationships you build with students, colleagues, and families during student teaching can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Conclusion: In conclusion, student teaching as an Elementary Education major offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a real classroom setting, collaborate with experienced educators, and develop essential teaching skills. By embracing the challenges and rewards of student teaching, aspiring elementary educators can prepare themselves for a successful career in education.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) - NCATE sets national standards for teacher preparation programs and provides accreditation to institutions that meet these standards. Their resources offer valuable insights into best practices for student teaching programs.
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) - AACTE is a leading organization that advocates for high-quality educator preparation programs. Their research and publications provide valuable information on effective student teaching practices.
U.S. Department of Education - The U.S. Department of Education offers resources on teacher preparation programs and guidelines for student teachers. Their publications can provide insights into policies related to student teaching in elementary education programs.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
I am a secondary teacher (grades 7-12) and student teaching is very different. One thing that does not change is how the classroom is "handed over" to you. You will start by observing and helping out. Then you will start teaching math only. The master teacher does everything else. Then you do reading groups and math. About a month after you start you will have the whole day. About one week before the end of your student teaching you slowly "hand back" the class to the master teacher. Hopefully this gives you some idea of what happens.
Save money. You will have to agree to not work during student teaching.
Observe an elementary teacher. Spend the entire day there to get a real feel of what your life will be like.
Don't observe on a day before/after holiday or during a special day (like an assembly).
Be prepared to teach students in 5th or 6th grade. New teachers are given these less desirable assignments.
Karissa recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Liky,
As a student teacher who just finished her first semester, I can safely say that it varies based on your mentor teacher, university, and yourself!
For me, I was in one classroom for 16 weeks, and I will be in another in the spring. I am elementary, so they tried to do a lower and upper elementary placement in two types of schools.
In terms of what to expect daily, expect to be at school for the contract hours of a teacher. Expect to go to all the events, meetings, and conferences that your mentor is going to. Expect to teach a good amount, but you likely will only get to teach everything for 1-2 weeks. This also can depend on your mentor teacher, some of them can have a little trouble letting go. You will probably observe for the first and last 1-2 weeks, so take that time to figure out what your teacher identity is, and what you might want to implement into your own classroom.
Overall, take everything in while still having fun as a college student. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Caitlin
As a student teacher who just finished her first semester, I can safely say that it varies based on your mentor teacher, university, and yourself!
For me, I was in one classroom for 16 weeks, and I will be in another in the spring. I am elementary, so they tried to do a lower and upper elementary placement in two types of schools.
In terms of what to expect daily, expect to be at school for the contract hours of a teacher. Expect to go to all the events, meetings, and conferences that your mentor is going to. Expect to teach a good amount, but you likely will only get to teach everything for 1-2 weeks. This also can depend on your mentor teacher, some of them can have a little trouble letting go. You will probably observe for the first and last 1-2 weeks, so take that time to figure out what your teacher identity is, and what you might want to implement into your own classroom.
Overall, take everything in while still having fun as a college student. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Caitlin
Updated
Lys’s Answer
You'll gain hands-on experience in handling a classroom, managing its resources, and most importantly, discovering your strengths and areas for improvement. This will help you become an outstanding teacher who can guide every student towards success.
Updated
Sara’s Answer
I'm excited for you to experience student teaching and I hope you are able to have this during the festive season, a truly enchanting period. Get ready to form deep bonds with your students that will etch lasting memories. Rest assured, they will reciprocate your affection, showering you with adorable cards and crafts. Treasure these tokens of love forever! Stay organized, invest time in preparing and rehearsing each lesson to the best of your ability, and always strive to demonstrate your passion and dedication to both the teacher and students. Welcome feedback with an open heart and be sure to jot down the numerous teaching strategies you'll witness. These will prove to be invaluable tools in your teaching journey.