MAKING THE MOST OF STUDENT TEACHING Alex Drake

MAKING THE MOST OF STUDENT TEACHING Alex Drake UNC Charlotte Teaching Fellows Senior Symposium September 8, 2012

About Me UNC Charlotte Teaching Fellows Class of 2005 Jay M. Robinson HS ● Concord, N. C. 2005 -2010 • Social studies teacher, quiz bowl coach, public address announcer Research Triangle HS ● Durham, N. C. 2012 -present • Lead history teacher, Director of Athletics

Overview • Making a good first impression ▫ Etiquette ▫ Preparation • What is student teaching? ▫ A laboratory ▫ An audition

Making a Good First Impression • Etiquette ▫ Professional dress ▫ Meet the powers that be ASAP �Administrators �Office Staff �Facility Staff ▫ Arrive early, leave late ▫ Work within your cooperating teacher’s schedule

Making a Good First Impression • Preparation ▫ Find out early on what you’ll be teaching ▫ Get lesson plans done ahead of time ▫ Stay on top of the grading and planning!

Student Teaching as a Laboratory • Try what you’ve learned ▫ Don’t be afraid to try new things ▫ Push to be able to be innovative • Don’t limit yourself to your cooperating teacher’s classes • Integrate lessons with other teachers/departments

Student Teaching as an Audition • Make yourself indispensable! ▫ Help with after-school activities ▫ Volunteer for extra duties ▫ Participate in department and faculty meetings • Show that you’re eager to improve ▫ Classroom management ▫ Ask colleagues for pointers

Summary • Over the course of the year, eliminate “student” from your title • Do all you can for your students AND for the school ▫ But don’t burn yourself out! • Have fun!!! ▫ Student teaching is hard, but immensely rewarding

QUESTIONS?