On-line Reflection #5: Faux Book Outline & Chapter Synopses - Advice for Cooperating Teachers

Chapter One: Remember That You Were The Rookie Once

è        After you have been around the block a few times, you start to forget what it was like to be a student teacher. You have become so use to balancing planning with grading, and work with your personal life/hobbies/interests. Perhaps you have forgotten what it was like to be a teacher-in-training and all of the stress/poverty/sleepless nights that go along with the territory.  Cut your student teacher some slack. He/she is in training; they are not yet a full-fledged professional.  Do not forget that they still have classes to attend and homework assignments to complete. Also realize that your student teacher may be a single parent who must work a part-time job and donate plasma to survive. Do not expect perfection.  Were you perfect when you first started out? – Basically, this chapter will be all about helping cooperating teachers reflect upon their own student teaching experiences so that they can better connect with and understand their student teachers.

Chapter Two: Your Student Teacher Is Not Telepathic!

è         It is important to realize that the careful maintenance of an open line of communication between you and your student teacher is essential to success. Your student teacher does not know your every thought and whim, so you must make your expectations clear from the get-go.  Do not get angry if your student teacher does not perform a certain way if you have not made what you want clear!  If you are unhappy with something that your student teacher does, tell them!  They may not even realize that they have done something wrong. By being open with your student teacher, you will ensure that the experience will be one of positive learning. – This chapter will include information on the importance of clear communication and there will be tips for cooperating teachers who may struggle with their effective communication skills.

 

Chapter Three: Student Teachers Are Not Parrots (And You Should Be Thankful For That!)

Please oh please, realize that you are an emissary of the educational world. Conduct yourself as such. Your student teacher wants to have a positive and healthy intern experience. Do not poison this time for them by being a gossip or a doomsayer. Do you want to send your student teacher running for the hills?  If you do, then you should probably consider an early retirement or a monthly Prozac prescription. – This chapter will be about the proper maintenance of cooperating teacher professionalism. I have no doubt that some CTs would be offended by this chapter, but it is necessary because I have seen and heard too much! 

 Chapter Four: Student Teachers Are Not Clones Or Cyborgs!

è        Remember how many teachers use the line: “Education is not one size fits all”?  Well, neither is teaching.  Think about all of the colleagues in your department (especially the ones who teach some of the same materials that you teach).  Do they all teach the same way? Probably not.  The same holds true for your student teacher.  He/she will not think the same way that you do and their teaching style is likely to be very different from your own.  There is nothing wrong with this difference.  Do not clip the wings of your student teacher by expecting them to teach your lessons the way that you want them to be taught; that is not a learning experience; that is regurgitation. The purpose of student teaching is for a teacher-in-training to practice their ability to plan and deliver instruction in a safe, supportive environment. Be sure that you understand your role as a cooperating teacher. – This chapter is meant to remind cooperating teachers that they need to loosen the reins a bit and take a backseat so that their student teachers can truly learn and practice their skills.

Chapter Five: Teach And Get Schooled

è    Who said that your student teacher would be the only one learning? Student teaching can be a great learning experience for cooperating teachers as well! Your student teacher can help you to reignite your passion for teaching and they may even introduce a few new strategies/ideas to you. Embrace this opportunity.  Everyone knows that good teachers never stop learning. – This chapter will remind cooperating teachers that their role is not only to instruct and guide their student teacher; they should also maintain an open mind and allow their selves to learn from their student teachers.

On-line Reflection #4: Letter to Me

Mercy,

I know that you are a bundle of nerves right now.  You are cramming in the last of your required English courses and starting pre-student teaching soon. This feels like an overwhelming time. You still have to take and pass your PRAXIS exams and your KPTP (which you have not even heard of yet).  Don’t freak.  Everything will be okay.  You are smart and dedicated; you will not crack under the pressure. You will pass those PRAXIS exams just fine (and don’t waste your money on that study book full of practice tests because it will simply collect dust on your bookshelf). You will pass your KPTP too (after a week of frantic typing and melt-downs). To soothe your fears, here is some helpful advice:

·       -  Don’t be so self-critical. [You have this terrible habit of agonizing over every little detail and telling yourself that you are a failure.  Stop that!  You really do know your stuff and you will never be perfect, but you will get a little better every day.]

·         -Follow your instincts; if your gut says “no”, don’t do it. [This will save you from making a blunder on your first day of pre-student teaching and on your first day of student teaching; let’s just say that English teachers are super territorial…]

·         -Know that you already have an advantage in your field thanks to the Co-op program. [Signing up for the program was one of the best decisions of your academic career.  It also gave you some valuable experience that will make you more marketable during your future job search.]

·         -Know that you are in a good school that has a good teacher education program. [WSU gets you into the classroom with students more than most schools and that is the best way to learn.]

·         -Realize that most of your stress is due to the fact that you are not yet a licensed teacher, so you have to play by someone else’s rules for now. [When you have your own classroom, you can generate your own routines and procedures without the hassle of someone else’s quirks.]

On top of these tips, recognize that you have a skill that can never be learned in a college class: the ability to connect with nearly any child that you encounter.  You see the good in people (even if you have to dig deep to find it) and you feel like every child can learn and succeed. It is this spirit that will make you a great special education teacher (a thought that you have been pushing away, embrace it). Don’t let doomsayers cause you to turn away from a path that suits you. 

You will experience many challenges, but you are resilient and you will push through them. Remember to plan carefully and not forget the details (like making copies days in advance). Also, be sure to stay on top of deadlines and planning.

Good luck and hang tough,

Your Older, Wiser Self