A few weeks ago, when I mentioned that I would be working with a student teacher this year, I received a few emails asking questions about the things I do to welcome student teachers to my room. Here are the things that I did this time around...
1. I made sure that I have a special space for her and her things (a desk area).
2. I asked her to bring a notebook (journal) for us to use to communicate with each other. She can write down questions/comments/wishes in the notebook for me to read. I will write down questions/compliments/comments/feedback in the same book for her to read.
3. I also gave Megan a little welcome package. One of the things in the package was another journal. I wrote a note on the first page inside explaining that the purpose of the notebook was for me to glue or write important quotes/paragraphs/articles that I would like her to read during our time together. I remember that being a student teacher can be overwhelming. Rather than handing her 18 of my favorite professional books to read, I will pull certain parts of things that are specific to what we are working on together to share with her. If she is interested or inspired by something, she can always read more from that source.
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| The journal that I will add "clippings" to during our time together. |
Since our open house is before school starts, Megan will have the opportunity to meet our students and their families before the first day of school. I know we are going to have a great experience together!
Megan and I worked super hard in the past two days and the room is lookin' good! I took a ton of pictures. I will share those over the next couple days.
Thanks for reading!
What a fun experience! You are so sweet to make a welcome package for her and really think about what she might need - as a teacher who just finished her student teaching 5 years ago, let me tell ya - that is awesome. Have a fun year together! :)
ReplyDeleteYou sound like an amazing cooperating teacher!! When I student taught, I had a first-time CT who told me straight up that she didn't want a student teacher and that her friends forced her to fill out the form. That was pretty indicative of our time together!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Multiagers!
Wow!! You are a fantastic CT!! I love that your ST is helping you setup your room!! When I ST I didn't start until school had been in session for a couple of weeks!! I think it would be so beneficial to be apart of the beginning of the year as well as setting up a classroom!! Best of wishes to your ST!! Have a great year!!
ReplyDeleteMiss J
smilescrayonsandendlessstories
Love your ideas! And you're so lucky that she was able to help you set up the room!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteKristin
A Teeny Tiny Teacher
WOW!! As a student teacher from Australia, who is about to start her final 4 week practicum placement...I am so envious! Not every teacher is as welcoming as you are!! Megan is one lucky student! Hope you both have a really fun time in the classroom together with your class:)
ReplyDeleteTina
Good Morning Mrs Rubie
Congrats on getting a student teacher! It sounds like Megan is very welcomed in your room :) I loved my cooperating teacher but she didn't do half of those things! I remember the worst part for me was that I didn't have a teaching area (aka desk/table)...I had to sit in a children's chair and keep all my stuff on the floor!
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful! I can't wait until I've been teaching for longer so that I can have a student teacher. My mentor teacher was so wonderful and I can't wait to pass that on to someone else!
ReplyDeleteFabulous Firsties!