Student teaching can be daunting! That’s why advice and tips for student teachers from experienced teachers are always welcome!
Whether you’re about to start student teaching or you’re already in the trenches, here are 101 tips to help you survive!
Advice for student teachers
1 – Listen.
2 – Work hard.
3 – Be kind.
4 – Ask questions.
5 – Ask for and be open to feedback.
6 – Be teachable.
7 – Exercise as much as you can.
8 – Never be alone with your child in the classroom without the presence of a supervising teacher.
9 – Try to get plenty of sleep.
10 – Write things down.
11 – Be handy.
12 – Take time to get to know your supervising teacher.
13 – Know your students.
14 – Be on time.
15 – Be where you say you will be, when you say you will be there.
16 – Stay ahead of your tasks.
17 – Communicate with your university supervisor.
18 – Be firm and fair with your students.
19 – Communicate with your supervising teacher.
20 – Plan your assessment in advance.
21 – Avoid your way to attend.
22 – Don’t be afraid to try new things.
23 – Keep yourself organized.
24 – Prepare your lessons in advance.
25 – Make lessons fun and interactive.
26 – Dress appropriately.
27 – Don’t try to be your students’ friend.
28 – Follow the guidance of your supervising teacher.
29 – Create systems to help you stay organized.
30 – Note things you want to try, observations, etc.
31 – Stay humble.
32 – Be conscientious.
33 – Don’t shout, but project your voice.
34 – Take charge when it’s your turn.
35 – Take initiative.
36 – Take care of yourself.
37 – Wear comfortable but appropriate footwear.
38 – Always do what you say you will do.
39 – Get a color printer.
40 – Pay attention to classroom management strategies.
41 – Try to bond with your parents.
42 – Be willing to make mistakes and learn from them.
43 – Get a personal home/dorm laminator.
44 – Never post pictures of students online.
45 – Think of every day as a potential job interview.
46 – Plan of activities of student leaders for older students.
47 – Observe as many different teachers as possible.
48 – Be consistent.
49 – Find out what works for you.
50 – Learn the students’ names as soon as possible.
51 – Don’t do things by halves. Give them everything.
52 – Enjoy the journey.
53 – Do not ask for an early departure.
54 – Introduce yourself to secretaries, administrators, principals and other teachers.
55 – Stay off the phone.
56 – Don’t take criticism to heart.
57 – Learn which battles to fight and when to laugh.
58 – Take pictures of things you want to remember in your classroom.
59 – If you don’t have a lot of space, use a vertical file.
60 – Always look for the positive in students, your mentor, and your situation.
61 – Smile.
62 – Remember that your attitude plays a huge role in how your students react and behave. It picks up your signals.
63 – Make time to exercise every day.
64 – Over schedule.
65 – Be prepared for long hours and hard work.
66 – Hold students accountable.
67 – Always have a plan – and then a backup plan!
68 – Give yourself grace.
69 – Remember that you are a student in the student-teacher category.
70 – Always be accessible.
71 – Realize that you won’t be the best teacher in the beginning.
72 – Focus on your teaching skills, not your lesson plans.
73 – Watch different grades to get an idea of ​​what grade you would like to teach.
74 – Give yourself and your students a clean slate every morning.
75 – Make your mental health a priority.
76 – Give consequences without anger.
77 – Attend every meeting and event you can.
78 – Fake confidence until you feel it.
79 – Do not delay.
80 – Laugh loud and often.
81 – Stay hydrated.
82 – Pack a snack and water.
83 – Learn to set boundaries.
84 – Keep a journal of what happened each day.
85 – Don’t take yourself too seriously.
86 – Never drink alcohol when out with staff.
87 – Be careful with your language around students and staff.
88 – Familiarize yourself with the subject matter as much as possible.
89 – Make sure the principal knows you well enough to write a letter of recommendation.
90 – Take every day.
91 – Do not judge or prejudge others.
92 – Remember the hierarchy of needs and use it to understand your students.
93 – Don’t skip meals.
94 – Have a planner.
95 – Stay as healthy as possible.
96 – Don’t be too friendly with anyone. Be professional.
97 – Be considerate.
98 – Ask the director to follow you and get feedback.
99 – Never base your career on student teaching or first year experience.
100 – Say good morning and good night.
101 – Breathe.
What is your best advice for students when teaching? What has worked for you or your student teachers? Share with us below!
