Student teaching is the stage where future teachers stop watching from the back of the room and start leading the class. It lets you apply what you learned in your education courses and gain hands-on experience in a real classroom. That shift can feel daunting, so this guide gives five practical tips for student teachers, along with notes for the mentor teachers and school staff who support them.
On this page 8 sections
Five tips at a glance
| Tip | Focus | What it helps you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your mentor teacher | Learn faster through guidance and feedback |
| 2 | Goals and objectives | Know what you are working toward and track progress |
| 3 | Reflection | Spot what works and what to improve |
| 4 | Professional development | Keep building knowledge and skills |
| 5 | Students and parents | Create a supportive, inclusive classroom |
Tip 1: Build a positive relationship with your mentor teacher
Your relationship with your mentor teacher (sometimes called the cooperating teacher) is one of the biggest factors in a successful student teaching experience. Research has linked the quality of this relationship to the student teacher’s success in the classroom (Mullins, 2016).
To build that relationship:
- Be open to feedback and constructive criticism.
- Show initiative. Take on responsibilities, and ask for guidance when you need it.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully.
- Be flexible. Adjust to your mentor’s teaching style and the classroom’s culture.
Tip 2: Set realistic goals and objectives
Goals give you a clear direction during your practice teaching and help you and your mentor measure your progress.
To set realistic goals:
- Identify the learning objectives and standards for your grade level and subject area.
- Talk with your mentor teacher, and set goals that match the class’s curriculum and instructional focus.
- Consider your learners’ needs and abilities.
- Use the SMART framework: goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
For example, instead of “get better at classroom management,” a SMART goal names one skill you will practice, how you will know you improved, and by when.
Tip 3: Reflect on your teaching
Reflection is a key part of professional growth. It lets you look honestly at your lessons and find areas to improve. Reflective practice has been connected to better teaching performance (Schön, 1983).
To build a habit of reflection:
- Set aside regular time to think about your lessons.
- Keep a journal or reflective log of your observations, insights, and questions.
- Discuss your lessons with your mentor teacher and fellow student teachers to get different perspectives.
- Use evidence-based practices and research to guide your reflection.
Tip 4: Join professional development opportunities
Professional development helps you build knowledge and skills and stay current in education. Options include workshops, conferences, online courses, and mentorship programs.
To make the most of them:
- Identify the areas where you most want or need to grow.
- Choose opportunities that match those areas.
- Ask your mentor teacher and peers for recommendations.
- Apply what you learn to your actual teaching.
Tip 5: Build relationships with students and parents
Positive relationships with learners and their families create a supportive and inclusive classroom. Research has associated positive teacher-student relationships with better academic achievement, engagement, and behavior (Roorda et al., 2011).
To build these relationships:
- Learn your students’ names, interests, and strengths.
- Use a variety of teaching strategies to engage and motivate students.
- Communicate regularly with parents, for example through newsletters, messages, or phone calls, following your school’s and mentor’s practice.
- Respond to parents’ questions, concerns, and feedback.
A final word
Every student teaching experience is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Working well with your mentor, setting clear goals, reflecting often, continuing to learn, and connecting with students and parents will help you grow from classroom observer to classroom leader, and lay a strong foundation for your teaching career.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this guide for?
It is mainly for student teachers who are moving from observing classes to teaching them. Mentor teachers and other education professionals who supervise student teachers can also use it.
Why is the mentor teacher relationship so important?
Your mentor teacher guides you, gives feedback, and shapes the classroom you teach in. Research cited in this guide links a good student teacher-mentor relationship to the student teacher’s success in the classroom.
What does SMART mean when setting goals?
SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Goals written this way are clear enough to act on and easy to check for progress.
How can a student teacher reflect on their teaching?
Set aside regular time to think about your lessons, keep a journal or reflective log, and discuss your teaching with your mentor and peers. Use research and evidence-based practices to guide what you change.
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