Student teaching is the part of a teacher preparation program where pre-service teachers work in a real classroom. It gives you the chance to gain practical experience, apply what you learned in your courses, and build the skills, knowledge, and attitudes of an effective teacher.
This guide is for student teachers who want to get the most out of that experience. It is also useful for cooperating teachers, professors, and anyone involved in preparing new teachers. It covers what to do before, during, and after your student teaching.
On this page 5 sections
Before student teaching
Research the school and classroom
Learn about the school and classroom before your first day. Find out about:
- the school’s culture
- the student demographics
- the curriculum
- classroom policies and procedures, including the behavior management system, grading policy, and attendance policy
Knowing these ahead of time helps you fit in faster and avoid surprises.
Build a strong relationship with your cooperating teacher
Your cooperating teacher is your mentor and guide. They give you feedback, support, and direction throughout your student teaching. A good working relationship with them is one of the most important parts of a successful experience.
- Agree early on how and when you will communicate.
- Take time to build rapport.
Set goals and expectations
Work with your cooperating teacher to set SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Also share your own expectations, including:
- what you hope to learn
- what kind of support you need
During student teaching
Observe and reflect
Watching an experienced teacher is one of the best ways to learn. Pay attention to how your cooperating teacher delivers lessons and manages the classroom. Then reflect on what you saw and note areas where you can improve. You can reflect on your own or together with your cooperating teacher. Regular reflection helps you check that you are moving toward your goals.
Be proactive
Take an active role in the classroom instead of waiting to be told what to do.
- Take the initiative to plan and carry out lessons and activities.
- Ask for feedback.
- Engage actively with your students.
- Look for professional development opportunities and connect with other educators.
Build relationships with students
Good relationships with students are at the heart of effective teaching. Get to know your students, understand their strengths and needs, and help create a positive classroom. Some ways to do this:
- Include students’ interests in your lesson plans.
- Use positive reinforcement.
- Set clear expectations for behavior.
Seek feedback and reflect on your practice
Feedback helps you grow. Ask for it from your cooperating teacher, your peers, and your students. Reflect on your teaching regularly, identify what needs work, and look for professional development that addresses those areas.
After student teaching
Evaluate and reflect on the experience
When your student teaching ends, look back on how far you came. Check your progress against the goals you set at the start and think about what you learned. You can do this by:
- completing a self-evaluation
- discussing the experience with your cooperating teacher
- asking for feedback from peers and professors
Continue your professional development
Student teaching is only the beginning of a career in education. Ongoing professional development helps you stay current on good practice, improve your teaching strategies, and advance in the profession. Look for workshops, conferences, and graduate courses.
Quick checklist
| Stage | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before | Research the school and classroom; build rapport with your cooperating teacher; set SMART goals and share your expectations |
| During | Observe and reflect; be proactive; build relationships with students; seek feedback and reflect on your practice |
| After | Evaluate your progress and reflect; continue professional development |
By following these steps, you can make the most of your student teaching, grow into a confident teacher, and make a positive difference in your students’ lives.
Frequently asked questions
What is student teaching?
Student teaching is the part of a teacher preparation program where pre-service teachers gain practical classroom experience. It lets them apply what they learned in their courses in a real classroom.
What is the role of the cooperating teacher?
The cooperating teacher acts as the student teacher’s mentor and guide. They give feedback, support, and guidance throughout the student teaching experience.
What are SMART goals for student teachers?
SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Student teachers should set them together with their cooperating teacher before student teaching begins.
What should I research before my student teaching starts?
Learn about the school’s culture, student demographics, and curriculum. Also review the classroom policies, including the behavior management system, grading policy, and attendance policy.
What should I do after student teaching ends?
Evaluate your progress toward your goals and reflect on what you learned, for example through a self-evaluation and feedback from your cooperating teacher, peers, and professors. Then keep growing through workshops, conferences, and graduate courses.
Leave a Reply