How’s student teaching going? As you’ve observed and implemented throughout the weeks, there’s an unfortunate likelihood that you’ve become overwhelmed. Today, in this blog post, I’ll focus on some of the key student teaching goals you want to work towards as you deepen your pedagogical knowledge and teaching practice. I also include some key things to remember! Make the most of your student teaching experience, embrace the ups and downs, set goals, and crush them!
If you’ve read any of the past three posts in this series, you already know I like to break the student teaching experience into three levels:
- the observer,
- the student, and finally…
- the teacher.
If you’re new here, hello! You’re reading part 4 of a 4-part student teaching blog series! If you’re about to begin your student teaching journey or you’re looking ahead to your future placement, be sure to check out:
- Part 1: No More Stress: Learn All About How to Prepare for Student Teaching! In this blog post, I’ll set you up with everything you need to consider before you start your student teaching experience
- Part 2: Student Teacher Help: Quick Advice for New Student Teachers. Here I give you advice on what to focus on for the first couple of days/weeks of student teaching, specifically looking through the lens of an observer.
- Part 3: 18 Student Teacher Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience. Finally, in the 3rd post of the series, I go over how to make the most of your student teaching experience as a learning teacher (in your case, still a student) in a classroom.
You got this; I mean it!
If you’re looking for a printable guide as you prepare for student teaching, click here to download your copy of the Student Teaching Success Guide!
Setting Student Teacher Goals
LEVEL THREE: THE TEACHER
#1 – Celebrate diversity.
Every student should have a voice in the classroom – celebrate diversity in your classroom through content and activities.
#2 – Focus on curriculum not fluff.
Focus on the objectives – what is the goal for the lesson or project. Yes, these learning experiences can be fun and cutesy but be sure to keep the main thing the main thing (i.e., the objective of the lesson).
#3 – Be flexible.
Students thrive when they know that flexibility is an option. Rigidity can cause anxiety and stress. Expectations can still be clear with flexibility sprinkled in where needed.
#4 – Allow students to set and track their own goals.
Have students track their own learning goals to motivate and engage them in your lesson.
#5 – Get students out of their seat.
Movement is key in learning. Have students get up and move at least once each period.
#6 – Look for teachable moments.
Teachable moments can happen anytime. Use these moments to fill in knowledge gaps, build relationships, and/or reflect.
#7 – Overwhelmed is okay.
Being overwhelmed is incredibly normal, especially in the first couple weeks. Be honest with your mentor teacher. If your college supervisor and program do not have a gradual release timeline, talk to your mentor teacher about working on one together. Take it day by day.
#8 – Remember your why.
At some point, you’ll be overwhelmed or frustrated and tired. You’ll wonder if this is worth it. Take a moment and think back to why you wanted to be a teacher in the first place. Write your reason down. Keep it close. Put it somewhere you can see it every day. The clouds will clear and it will get better!
Before you go…
Save this blog post and come back to it as you navigate through these growing stages in your student teaching journey! Use each level as a small checklist. Try a few or try them all! Looking for additional guidance and support? Book a free 20-minute session with me to talk about your upcoming or current student teaching experience, click here.
Remember, here are some additional reads about student teaching you may be interested in:
- No More Stress: Learn All About How to Prepare for Student Teaching
- Student Teacher Help: Quick Advice for New Student Teachers
- 18 Student Teacher Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience
And don’t forget to download your Student Teacher Success Guide to hit the ground running on Day 1!
