Student teaching can be quite a challenging experience, especially when you’re just starting out. If you think about it, being a student teacher is your first real experience on your own in a classroom full of students, so of course it’s going to feel intimidating.
You’re balancing observation, instruction, and trying not to mess up all at the same time. To help ease some of that anxiety, here are 10 surprising lessons I learned during my time as a student teacher.
10 Student Teaching Lessons
Arrive Early
When you show up early, a lot of good things happen. First, you’re showing your mentor teacher and the school staff that you’re ready to work and that you’re taking this experience seriously. Second, you’re giving yourself a few extra minutes to mentally prepare for what might be a long and unpredictable day.
Think of student teaching like an extended interview. Every day you walk into that building, people watch how you handle things. And if they like what they see, they’ll remember your name, and that’s never a bad thing.
Have Confidence
Confidence is the single best thing you can have as a student teacher. When you walk into a classroom, the students can sense if you’re nervous or unsure of yourself. You’re essentially a new face to them, and how you carry yourself sets the tone. If you walk in with a strong, calm presence, they’ll be more likely to listen and follow your lead.
If you walk in hesitant or unsure of yourself, they’ll pick up on that too, and it can make the day feel twice as long. Hold your head high and act like you belong, even if you’re still figuring it all out. As they say, “Fake it until you make it”.
Bring a “Bag of Tricks”
Student teachers need to be prepared for the unexpected. Not every day will go according to plan, and there will definitely be times when your mentor teacher is out or hands you the reins unexpectedly. That’s when your “bag of tricks” will save the day. Have a stash of go-to activities like brain breaks, review games, quick writing prompts, and picture books. You never know when you’ll need to fill 10 unexpected minutes or an entire class period.
Break the Ice, Fast
You’re new, and the students know it. So, it helps to break the ice right away. A quick “get to know you” activity or class game at the start of your student teaching placement helps build rapport faster. Learn their names and ask about their interests. Find any small way to show them you’re genuinely interested in them, not just there to complete hours. That connection goes a long way in earning their trust and cooperation.
Eat in the Faculty Lounge
At first, I used to eat lunch in the classroom. I did this because it felt safer and less awkward. I didn’t want to be the “newbie” awkwardly looking for a seat or hoping someone would talk to me in the lounge.
But I quickly noticed that the student teachers who were forming real connections with the staff were the ones who made an effort to eat in the lounge. So, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and honestly, it made a huge difference. I got to know teachers, I asked questions, and I learned a ton just from listening in on casual conversations. It’s worth it.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is one of the most important skills you can have during student teaching. Lessons will get interrupted, and plans will change. A fire drill, an assembly, indoor recess, or technology not working will happen.
The key is not to let it throw you off. Keep your cool, adjust your plans, and move forward. The more you go with the flow, the more confident you’ll feel when things don’t go as expected, which, honestly, is most of the time in teaching.
Keep Detailed Notes
Always keep a notebook or a digital log of what happens each day. Jot down what lessons you taught, what worked, what didn’t, how students responded, and anything else worth remembering. Not only does this help you reflect and grow, but your mentor teacher may ask what happened during a lesson or why a certain student was upset.
Being able to give a clear and detailed answer shows that you’re organized and paying attention. It also helps if you want to write about your experience later or need examples for job interviews.
Write a Thank You Note
If you want to make a good impression, leave a thank you note. At the end of your placement, write a thank you note to anyone who helped you along the way. This thoughtful gesture about what you learned can leave a lasting impression. Plus, you never know who might be willing to write a reference or recommend you for a job down the road.
Bring Snacks
Student teaching can be exhausting. You’re on your feet all day long and rarely get a chance to sit. So, to keep your energy up, you’re going to need some snacks. Choose high-protein snacks like beef jerky, nuts, or Greek yogurt. Protein bars are great too because they are easy to grab and go. A refillable water bottle is also a must; staying hydrated makes a big difference when you’re talking all day.
Don’t Stress
Easier said than done, right? Teaching can be a hard enough job as it is, but being a student teacher can be even harder because it takes time to gain respect from the children. You must do things that will help you not get stressed in the first place.
Go into your day in a positive state of mind, take a few minutes while the students are at lunch to meditate, or take a quiet walk around the school when the kids are at a special event. Always remember that the day will eventually come to an end.
Student teaching taught me more than I ever could’ve imagined. It was challenging, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming, but it also gave me confidence, clarity, and a deeper appreciation for the profession.
If you’re about to start your student teaching journey, know that it’s okay to be nervous. You’re not expected to have all the answers. Just show up, be open, and take it all in. Because every day in that classroom is shaping the kind of teacher you’re becoming.
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