The Student Teaching Experience: One Cooperating Teacher’s Approach PSAHPERD Convention by Jeff Jacobs Methacton School District

- those preparing for their student teaching experience. This presentation is geared toward: - teachers who have been cooperating teachers or are considering working with student teachers. - anyone interested in the student teaching process and experience.

Participants will be able to: summarize one cooperating teacher’s approach toward the student teaching experience. identify steps that can taken to prepare for the student teaching experience. formulate strategies to get the most out of the student teaching experience. compile a list of important topics to discuss during the student teaching experience. Objectives:

Why work with student Teachers? Opportunity to share knowledge and experience Opportunity to learn Makes you a better teacher Way of reaching beyond your own classroom Very rewarding! Why Work with Student Interns?

If you don’t want to be a cooperating teacher, please don’t agree to do it! Advice

It’s the culmination of what you have learned and practiced the past four years. Student teaching is an incredible opportunity! Take advantage of this experience and get as much out of it as you possibly can! The Student Internship

Triangle of Student Teaching The Triangle of Student Teaching Student Intern Cooperating Teacher Student Teaching Supervisor The Student Teaching Experience

Your student teaching supervisor and I want to help you climb to new heights!

I know: each one is different most are very anxious to get into the classroom and practice what they have been learning most are idealistic I know each one is not at the same point in their development as a teacher I know they’re going to make mistakes What do I know about student interns?

Be responsible Take the initiative whenever possible Keep me informed of assignments & projects coming up Call or whenever you need to discuss anything! What do I expect of student interns? 1 cream, 2 sugars Wax it too? Only chocolate chip……please

do everything possible to make you feel welcome and put you at ease. constantly offer you encouragement and be your most enthusiastic cheerleader. encourage you to take risks to help you grow. treat you as a colleague. What is my Approach? I will: Gooooooooo Intern!

Our relationship will be collaborative and reciprocal. I want you to share your knowledge and ideas with me from time-to-time. You will: get your own desk and work area in the gym office. get access to my files, resources, etc. experience the same responsibilities including duties, staff meetings, parent conferences, etc. that I do. be responsible for my attendance/gradebook. As my colleague:

You will: be provided with opportunities to observe other teachers in the district. be provided with opportunities to assist with extra curricular activities be exposed to my obsessive-compulsive need for organization have the opportunity to go through my Student Teacher checklist – 7Ps, D of 3s, etc. But wait, there’s more!

I am willing to help you with everything – ideas, lessons, class management, cover letters, resumes, etc. I Am a Full-Service Cooperating Teacher

I will never leave you hanging!

Make student teaching your full time “job” if possible – take advantage of your student teaching situation and the people around you. Get to know your cooperating teacher and try to establish a good rapport with him or her as soon as possible. Call by Dr., Mr., Mrs. or Ms. but not by first name unless told other wise. Have a sense of humor, have fun, relax, take time to enjoy the experience. Suggestions for Interns

Be careful not to put your cooperating teacher in a position where he or she is on the defensive. Be conscious of your writing skills especially spelling and grammar! (and speaking skills!) Get as much experience as possible! Take care of your health! ASK PLENTY OF QUESTIONS! A few more suggestions…

“Asking questions is a sign of intelligent behavior.” ~anonymous Ask Questions!

Ask your student teaching supervisor questions!

Ask your cooperating teacher questions!

Ask Questions! Ask your students questions!

Check for understanding Learn more about your students Better understand their perspectives Note: Be careful what you ask and how you ask it! Why ask students questions?

If this is your idea of Physical Education class, please DO NOT come to my gym! Sometimes you’ll feel like everything is coming at you at once!

Stay Calm! Stay calm! Try to relax! Hmmmmmm hmmmmmmm…

The PSAHPERD Convention Theatre proudly presents The Story of Karl and Kylie The moving story of a misunderstood child and her teacher. Please know and accept that you will not be prepared for everything!

Parent notes Excuses from PE class: “………I gave her a hole asburn………” “Please excuse _________ from running in gym because she smokes.” “_________ bumped his head yesterday. Please excuse him from any activities that include punching or hitting.” Please know and accept that you will not be prepared for everything!

Elementary ? Middle School ? High School ? Use this experience to get a handle on which level you might like best!

Begin to Develop a Resource File Information, activities, lesson plans, books, journals, etc.

Professional Organizations

Resume Recommendation Copies of all my activities/lessons “Using someone else’s ideas is the sincerest form of flattery.” Phone number / address Reference & Resource forever When your internship is over you will leave with:

Before I hope your student teaching experience is a period of tremendous growth!

After* * Results are not typical and may vary from intern to intern.

- Please feel free to contact me at anytime. - This presentation is available on my Professional Website. - Contact information is on the blue handout. Thank you for attending!