I have been in classrooms numerous times over my four years here at Kutztown and I have to say that I have learned quite a bit from just watching. As a teacher, you have to be prepared or you’ll fail miserably. Here is a list of a few things I have learned to prepare for and will definitely use in my own classroom one day:
1). Practice, Practice, Practice.
Although you don’t HAVE to practice your lessons, it is always a good idea because kids can sometimes just run right through them and you end up wondering how your 50 minute lesson turned into 25 minutes and now the kids have nothing to do. Or, you might end up not finishing within the time you thought and don’t have time to finish the next day. I suggest practicing your lessons at home or running them by a fellow student teacher to see where a fresh pair of eyes and ears can give input. It’s also a good way to see any problems or inconsistencies within your lesson; this way you can fix them early rather than the day of. My roommate has always been a good sport about these things, so I use her. (She has no idea that she will be my test student soon.)
2). Have a Designated Food Drawer
I wasn’t crowned Snack Queen 2016 for nothing! I am of the belief that one should ALWAYS carry food with them. I have M&Ms in my car, Jellybeans in my purse, chips in my nightstand and all of the above in my teacher’s desk. Not only is it great for snacking but I also think it’s great to reward students with candy for a job well done every now and then. Little extra incentives are important for kids, especially ones who may need a push.
3). Prepare for a Period
Not just the school period, the female period as well. I know I bring this up in most of my articles but it will always be relevant. Just yesterday, I had a student come up to me to ask for a tampon. The nurse’s were those big cardboard ones that are extremely uncomfortable. Thankfully, I keep a non-descript little zipper bag with tampons and pads in them. Not only am I giving her what she needs, but I’m also saving the student from having everyone SEE me hand her the goods. I think most women can remember a dire time like that in high school, so be prepared to help a fellow female out!
4). Establish Your Availability
A good teacher doesn’t start the day at the beginning of first period and leave at the end of the last. I believe that it is extremely important to walk into the day earlier than the first bell, and after the day is over. Not only is it a great rule of thumb and keeps you ahead of the game, but it also allows for students to come to you about things before and after school. Let students know that they are always welcome to come to you during these times for extra help. If they know you always stay for a bit and that they can come to you for help, they are more likely going to ask for it. Is that scientifically proven? No, but it makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?
5). Get Involved!
Again, teaching isn’t just about the paycheck and making sure you clock in and out. It’s also about the kids and the community. If these aren’t something you care about, then teaching isn’t for you. I strongly suggest that teachers get to know their students and join in on the school and community activities! If a student of yours is on the basketball team, show your support by going to a game. Kids really appreciate that kind of thing and it creates a bond that is really beneficial. Having a good teacher-student relationship is great because they know they can rely on you and they’ll respect you enough to be a better student.
6). Prepare for the Climate
We have all been in those classrooms that are too hot, too cold, or always fluctuating. I can’t think when I’m too hot and I get too antsy when I’m cold. For this semester’s placement, my desk is by the draftiest window and I die a little whenever I have to sit there. Fortunately, my co-op had a space heater in her closet and you better believe that I have that baby on FULL BLAST for the entire day. Before that, I was bringing my moccasins to wear while I’m sitting at my desk, and wearing my winter jacket over. I looked ridiculous and now I just look pampered, but so be it! I’m warm!
7). Always Know your Protocols
I can’t stress this one enough. We all know that most of our life experiences happen in our secondary school years. With that said, you need to know what to do when a student comes to you with information that needs to be documented and/or reported to the administrator or counselor. This is important because kids may come to you about anything and you have to be prepared for the next course of action. If a student comes to you about something, it’s because they trust you. If they don’t want it known to anyone else, you can’t be their friend and keep it a secret. Your job is to protect and ensure the safety of your students, so make sure you know what your district expects of you in certain situations.
8). Get to Know your Kids!
Teaching is a professional job but that does not mean that you can’t get to know your students. Let them talk to you, tell them about themselves and offer up something about yourself as well! Getting to know someone is a two-way street. Obviously, you should know the limits of what information you give out about yourself, but try to establish an interpersonal relationship with the kids. A mutual trust goes a long way in a classroom.
Obviously, there are many many things that go along with the world of teaching. This is just a small list complied by a student teacher who hasn’t completely figured it all out yet. But I felt as though any sure-fire advice is good advice for those soon to be in my position. With that said, I will offer any help that I can to any current or future student teachers if need be.
Have fun, work hard and good luck!