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Need advice- Teaching related
This is teaching related but please still feel free to respond even if you're not a teacher!!!
I am getting ready to student teach this semester and just found out my placement. I need to send an e-mail to my teacher to find out what time I should arrive on my first day and other pertinent information. So I have a few questions about this that I'd like your opinion/advice on...
1) Should I include my letter of introduction and my introduction newsletter I have in this first e-mail? Should I do one and not both or neither? The letter of introduction goes into my prior teaching experiences, what made me want to become a teacher, and my hobbies. The newsletter has a few pictures in it, and a little more personal information (a few of my favorite things, the most recent books I've read and a note). The newsletter was created last semester for my cooperating teacher to send home to parents, but I changed a few things to adapt it to this semester.
2) I have many questions for my cooperating teacher but don't want to bombard her with a) too many questions at once and b) too many e-mails over the next 2 weeks. Some of my questions include- What time does she arrive and depart school each day and does she want me there at the same times? What is her plan with having me in the class? How much does she plan on me teaching and when does she plan on me beginning teaching these lessons? I also have questions about the classroom schedule. Do you think I'd be better off asking them all at once or spacing them out over a few e-mail? Are there any other important questions you think I should ask?
Thanks for your help ladies!!
You Grew in My Heart instead of My Tummy
Proud Step-Mama to Clayton- 11/8/03
Proud Step-Mama to Amelia- 11/16/04
Proud Step-Mama to Brennan- 6/10/06
TTC OUR first
BFP#1 10/8/11, Blightened Ovum 10/17/11, D&C 10/18/11 @ 7w4d
BFP#2 6/10/12, EDD 2/14/13 ~Team Green! Grow baby Grow! Stick baby Stick!! IT'S A GIRL!!! Abbigaile Mae 2/21/13 7lbs 6oz 21inches 4:15am
Re: Need advice- Teaching related
First off, congrats! Student teaching is such a fun time!
As a teacher who has welcomed several student teachers into my classroom over the years, I would keep it simple during your initial contact. I'd hold off on the newsletter until you actually go to the class. Definitely offer to copy it and send it home with the students (as long as the cooperating teacher approves it).
As for your questions, I limit it to a few essentials for the first email.
What time does she expect you to be there? I had a student teacher who insisted on being there the same time as me every day and I honestly got annoyed because I needed some time to my self. I felt uncomfortable working on my reflections for the student teacher while she was in the room.
Any school policies that you need to know ahead of time? Check-in at the office? parking?
Does the cooperating teacher have a website that may answer your questions about the daily schedule?
And does your student teaching program have any "requirements" that you need to complete? Be sure to bring those with you when you meet with the teacher.
I'm sure that initially, your cooperating teacher will have you shadow her for a few days so you can learn the kids and routine. Good luck and enjoy your student teaching.
Yay, congratulations!
I agree with everything Sarah said. Keep your first email simple. My one suggestion since you do have so many questions is to ask in the email if you could meet before your first day, offering to go in before or after school before your student teaching begins. That would allow you to meet without the kids there, find the room, and ask some more of those questions. This would sort of break the ice before your first day with kids.
Good luck!
I agree with all of this! I would also ask her if there is anything in particular she would like you to bring on the first day. Like sample lessons or a resume or something. Chances are you won't have to worry, but it'll help you feel more prepared and confident. Save the rest of your questions for the first day...they'll usually come up in conversation anyway.
my read shelf:
Ditto everything everyone has said already. I just student taught last spring, and I was much like you. I wanted to have everything planned out, and I wanted to feel completely prepared. However, my cooperating teacher was very laid back and insisted I wait until I got there to worry about all of my questions. It worked out better this way. I think it kept the conversation going those first couple days when we didn't know each other that well yet.
Most importantly...Good luck to you!! You will do a fabulous job! What's your placement? Grade? Subject area? If you ever need any help please, please, please don't be afraid to ask. I was always shy about asking (and still am sometimes!), but it's much easier to ask. Most people are happy to help! Keep us updated
I will be in a city school (about 10 minutes from my house) in a 5th grade 6:1:1 community based special education class.
You Grew in My Heart instead of My Tummy
Proud Step-Mama to Clayton- 11/8/03
Proud Step-Mama to Amelia- 11/16/04
Proud Step-Mama to Brennan- 6/10/06
TTC OUR first
BFP#1 10/8/11, Blightened Ovum 10/17/11, D&C 10/18/11 @ 7w4d
BFP#2 6/10/12, EDD 2/14/13 ~Team Green! Grow baby Grow! Stick baby Stick!! IT'S A GIRL!!! Abbigaile Mae 2/21/13 7lbs 6oz 21inches 4:15am
This may be a dumb question. What is 6:1:1?
My guess is 6 kids, 1 teacher, 1 assistant? I have never heard of a learning support classroom referred to like this.
Yes it's 6 students with disabilities, 1 teacher and 1 aid. My placement last semester was a 2nd grade 12:1:1 (up to 12 students, 1 teacher and 1 aid)
You Grew in My Heart instead of My Tummy
Proud Step-Mama to Clayton- 11/8/03
Proud Step-Mama to Amelia- 11/16/04
Proud Step-Mama to Brennan- 6/10/06
TTC OUR first
BFP#1 10/8/11, Blightened Ovum 10/17/11, D&C 10/18/11 @ 7w4d
BFP#2 6/10/12, EDD 2/14/13 ~Team Green! Grow baby Grow! Stick baby Stick!! IT'S A GIRL!!! Abbigaile Mae 2/21/13 7lbs 6oz 21inches 4:15am