Student Teaching
in the Spring
Things you need to know
when you student teach in
the middle of the year.
Before the 1st Day You will receive your mentor teachers name,
campus and contact information through Blackboard.
Make sure you know where the campus is and how long it will take in the morning to get to it.
Make sure you have all the required paperwork for you and your mentor.
Make sure your life is in order so you can dedicate most of your time and energy to student teaching.
Contacting your mentor Teacher
Contact your mentor by phone or email.
If you feel it is necessary ask to meet them before hand during their conference period.
Inform your mentor of your start date and anticipated end date, as well as required seminar days.
Ask about the dress code
Ask your mentor what time they arrive and arrive a few minutes early. Offer to come in early or stay late if necessary.
Your 1st Day
Be on time or early
Dress professional
Learn your homeroom class schedule
Learn the student’s names
Pay close attention when observing your mentor and the students.
Your first Week Be aware of the rules and expectations your mentor
has already established.
Ask about any medical, learning or behavior issues you should be aware of.
Ask how the teacher handles these issues.
Get to know your mentor and get comfortable with them. They are knowledgeable and are a great ally to have for hiring and during your first years teaching.
Learn the school layout. Know these locations:
Where is Everything?
GymRestroomsArt roomMusic roomLibrary
Principal’s officeCafeteriaCopy roomTeachers lounge
Things you should ask
Ask for copies of the lessons plans for the next week so you can be prepared
Ask the mentor what she wants the students to learn or what her goal is of the lesson.
Ask about the homework policy and schedule.
Things you should ask Ask the mentor to show you how the
lesson plan and grades are input in the computer. Each district uses a different system.
Ask your mentor to show you where they get the information for lesson plans provided by the district.
Ask how to use the technology in the room.
Get Involved Ask for a copy of the school calendar and about any
events during and after school you could participate in.
Purchase a school T-Shirts. Many school districts allow staff to wear jeans and a school shirt on Fridays, as well as other designated days. Participation is important in making you look like part of the staff.
Participate in any spirit events or programs the other teachers are participating in. Like dressing 100 for the 100th day or dressing like a book character for the library character day.
Make an attempt to meet the school staff (secretaries, principals, nurse, custodians, other teachers, etc…)
Attend meetings with your mentor when allowed.
Eat lunch with your team or in the teachers lounge.
Be a team player. If it is allowed help with planning and make yourself available to your entire team. Participate as much as possible but be careful not to offend any of the team members.
Get Involved
Proceed with Caution
Be professional at all times.
Remember student teaching is basically a job interview.
Be a team player. If it is allowed help with planning and make yourself available to your entire team. Participate as much as possible but be careful not to offend any of the team members.
Always be mindful of what you say. NEVER gossip or repeat anything that you have heard others say.
Be respectful, courteous, considerate, etc.
When interacting with Staff
Proceed with Caution
Be professional at all times.
Make sure it is clear that you are a teacher and not their friend.
Be mindful of the clothing you wear. Low cut shirts, short skirts, tight pants, etc...
Everything you hear and see about the student is confidential. Do not talk about students with anyone other than your mentor teacher.
Make it clear that your expectations are no different then your mentor’s expectations.
When interacting with Staff
Make the most out of your experience!
Do not be afraid to ask questions
Presentors
Arcelia Diaz Erika MilesJennifer Braeuer Kevi TaylorChristy Mcbride Darlene Leyton
“Great teachers empathize with kids, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be
built upon.” –Ann Lieberman