Tips for How Teachers Can Accept and Work With Their Student Teacher

Hopefully if you have a student teacher it is because you want one. Usually teachers are asked to volunteer to have a student teacher in their classroom. It's usually something they want to happen. However there are times when this is not the case. There are times when administrators assign student teachers to teachers without any discussion. Also there are times when you volunteer for a student teacher but things don't go well. How do you handle such a situation. Here are some ideas to make this a worthwhile experience.

Learning to make your student-teacher feel welcome is crucial. Even if you're not crazy about having this person in your room, you need to make sure that you don't show this. If a student teacher knows you don't want them in your room it could quickly cause some tension. Welcome the student into your room with open arms. Show them around the school and introduce them to your students and other teachers. Volunteer any help you can for your student teacher. This could include lesson plans, books and other materials that the student might need. Making a student-teacher feel welcome will go a long way to having a good experience with them.

Another important key to success with your student teacher is being on the same page. It is important to understand what days the teacher will be present. Also you need to know how long the student will be in your room. The student needs to communicate to the teacher what subjects they will be teaching and what the expectations are from their University. Being on the same page will ensure that the you the teacher will not have any surprises that will through off your routine and cause you to resent the process.

As a teacher you need to communicate your expectations to your student-teacher. Make sure they understand what your schedule is. Are their requirements that you must meet in terms of curriculum and testing. Help the student teacher to also understand the make up of your classroom. Do you have students with special needs. Do you have students with ADD or ADHD. If the student teacher understands the needs of your children they are more likely to be successful in the classroom.

Finally if a problem does arrive you need to handle it as soon as possible. Pull the student aside and discuss the issue. Or when it's appropriate contact the University supervisor. Don't let issues escalate out of control.

Having a student teacher should be a positive experience. If given the responsibility of having a student teacher without choice making the choice to be accepting and welcoming could help to make the situation positive. Keep the lines of communication open and let them know you are willing help. This certainly can turn your experience into a positive one.