TIPS TO

SURVIVE THE

FIRST D

AYS OF S

CHOOL

AS A STU

DENT TEA

CHER

B Y : T A MM

Y MO S A C K , M

I N N I E S A P P , MA R Y A M

E F T E K H A R I , &

D E B O R A R I P P E R

PURPOSE:This presentation is designed to

provide student teachers with tips to help them successfully navigate through the rigors of the first days of school.

HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE TEACHER

The three characteristics of an effective teacher are:

1. Has good classroom management skills

2. Teaches for mastery3. Has high expectations for student

success

POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS Believing to

win Believing that

every child can learn

Believing in themselves

THE EFFECTIVE TEACHER Addresses people by

names Says” please “ and “thank

you” Has a controlled, attractive

smile Is lovable and capable

THE EFFECTIVE TEACHERWorks on having a well-

managed classroomTrains students to know what

they are to doHas students working on tasksHas a classroom with little

confusion

Has discipline plan when students arrive on the first day of school

Posts some rules or responsibilities

Explains the posted rules and requirements

THE EFFECTIVE TEACHERPrepares, prepares, and

preparesPrepares the classroom for

effective workMaximizes student learning ,

and minimizes student misbehavior

COMMUNICATION

Student teachers are often placed into an awkward and stressful

situation, not sure of their authority. These tips can help aid

student teachers as they begin their first teaching assignment.

COMMUNICATION TIPS: STUDENT TEACHER TO STUDENTTreat the students as if you are the actual teacher

Many student teachers try to become friends with the students first and when it comes time to teach they have no control.

Respect – You will receive it as long as you give itNot only to your peers , but most importantly to your students no matter how old they are.

Give Positive words to each child and make them feel important on a regular basisEach child is important and is not a mistake or accident

Be firm but loving from the get goIf they know the limits, you are then able to have fun and smile and laugh with your students

Be confident.Even if you don’t feel confident, pretend! The students can sense your hesitance or fear.

Establish authority at the beginning.It is important to be consistent with whatever behavior plan you have. If you say you are going to do something, you must follow through.

Don’t let them get away with being rude to youIf you do, you will have trouble maintaining control in the classroom later on.

If a child misbehaves, address the situation and move on. Do not dwell on it or bring it up later.If a child consistently misbehaves, you must strive to not let the child see how the behavior affects you.

Help students immediatelyThis shows you are ready and willing to assume the role of a teacher.

Take time for the little extrasPositive reinforcement or just a simple “Good Morning”.

EMPOWER:Empower all, every age group that you

come in contact with. This is done by really listening and not merely hearing what others are sharing. Looking into their eyes when you are listening and talking can make a person feel validated and can even boost their self-esteem. Finally, letting a person keep their dignity when there is a misunderstanding can speak volumes of your wisdom and self-control. Know ledge is wonderful and knowing how to communicate with everyone is superb.

COMMUNICATION TIPS: STUDENT TEACHER TO PARENTSYou should start out by trying to

introduce yourself to all the parents by the end of the first week:

Keep in mind that you are responsible for what matters the most to them in their lives

Share your thoughts and listen to theirs

Be respectfulMaintain confidentiality

COMMUNICATION BETW

EEN

STUDEN

T TEA

CHER AND

MENTO

R TEACHER

S U R V I VI N

G YO U R S

T U D E N T TE A C H I N

G

E X P E R I EN C E

COMMUNICATION ABOUT INSTRUCTION

Mentor teacher and the student teacher need to be able to discuss lesson plans and different ways to implement the lessons.

The student teacher needs to be aware of special needs students that are included in the classes so that adjustments to instruction can be made to fit the learning needs of all the students.

COMMUNICATION ABOUT TEKSThe Mentor Teacher should communicate with the Student

Teacher concerning the TEKS that will be covered during the placement period.

The Student Teacher should ask the Mentor Teacher for input or ideas for making the lessons fun and informative.

COMMUNICATION ABOUT CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

The Student Teacher and the Mentor Teacher need to communicate about the policies and procedures that relate to classroom management.

The Student Teacher needs to ask for clarification of the policies when the mentor teacher gives vague or unclear information.

COMMUNICATION ABOUT GRADINGMentor Teacher and the Student Teacher

should discuss policies about grading papers.

The Student Teacher should ask the mentor teacher if points will be taken off for words that are illegible or spelled incorrectly.

The Student Teacher should ask the mentor teacher about how many points to take off when a student does not follow the proper procedure in marking their answers.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN STUDENT TEACHER AND OTHER TEACHERS

The Student Teacher should always be friendly without appearing overly friendly.

The Student Teacher should always be willing to help other teachers.

COMMUNICATION ABOUT OTHER DUTIESThe Student Teacher should ask the Mentor

Teacher for assistance and clarification when performing other duties.

The Student Teacher should have clear procedures when performing bus duty.

The Mentor Teacher needs to inform the Student Teacher about:Behaviors that are not acceptable.Students that will take alternative routes home from school on a certain day.

SCHOOL POLITICS

Student Teachers should never listen to other teachers who discuss a student or the student’s family.

The Student Teacher should make an excuse to vacate the area.

The Student Teacher should never make comments about a student or students.

The Student Teacher should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.

SCHOOL POLITICS CONT.The Student Teacher should never listen to gossip about

another teacher in the lounge.

Never make a comment about a student or another teacher.

TIP #?

WHAT’

S

IN A

NAME?

REMEMBERING STUDENT NAMESWhy should we worry about it…..

•Difficult (up to 200 names)•Highly Diverse•Classroom Management

RYAN MIRANDA CONNOR

JUSTINJOEY

JOEL CHLOE

REMEMBERING STUDENT NAMESStrategies•Graphic Organizers•Personal Connections•Mnemonic Devices

JOEY

REMEMBERING STUDENT NAMES

Graphic Organizers•Seating Chart

Justin Miranda

Chloe

Joel

Connor

Hunter

Joey

Tanner

Amanda

Tyle

r

REMEMBERING STUDENT NAMESPersonal Connections•Snowball Fight•Memory Game

MIRANDA

CHLOE

RYAN JOEY

JUSTIN CONNORHee! Hee!

REMEMBERING STUDENT NAMESMnemonic Devices•Chunking•Pairing

Day 1---------1. Chloe2. Justin3. Joey4. Joel5. Miranda

Day 2 ---------6. Ryan7. ConnorEtc.

MIRANDA

CHLOE

JOEY JUSTIN

REMEMBERING STUDENT NAMESOther Suggestion•Time•Odd Names•Extroverts

Anatasia

Julien

Anne Marie

Rishav

Winona

JOEY

JOEY

JOEYJOEY