Preparing for a Student Teacher

Supervision of a Student Teacher (S.T.) requires a great deal of careful planning. Preplanning on the part of the Cooperating Teacher can create a good learning atmosphere and alleviate many problems before they arise. The following checklist has been designed as a guide to help you prepare for the Student Teacher.

1. Preparing the Students
   ___tell the students that a new teacher is coming to join their music classroom for eight-weeks starting the next Monday. Build interest by telling them that they will love having music class with the student teacher who will bring many wonderful ideas to teach them.
   ___discuss advantages of having two teachers with the music class
   ___teaching younger students how to pronounce the student teacher's name provides a personal connection, even before the student teachers arrives.
   ___explain that another teacher will have the same authority as you do
2. Organizing the Music Room
   ___provide the S.T. with a well-supplied desk or work area
   ___provide storage space for coats and other needed materials.
3. Locating Materials, provide the S.T. copy of:
   ___course and student handbooks
   ___Fire Drill and Emergency Procedures
   ___schedule of classes
   ___School Policy Book for inspection
   ___ seating charts
   ___room rules established with pupils
   ___location of supplies and materials within the room
   ___make available cumulative folders or info on pupils with special needs
4. Familiarizing the S.T.with Service Facilities
   ___demonstrate use and policy of copying machines
   ___acquaint the S.T. with location and use of audio-visual materials
   ___familiarize the S.T. with location of special rooms: lunchroom, office, speech, first aid, etc.
5. Preplanning for My Teaching
   ___outline my expectations for the S.T.
   ___familiarize myself with the S.T.’s background
   ___plan a tentative sequence of learning activities for the S.T.
   ___plan to teach varied lessons for observation by the S.T.
   ___identify long and short term goals for my class
   ___examine my own teaching techniques and behaviors, and be ready to discuss them
6. Planning with the S.T.and University Supervisor
   ___provide time to develop plans jointly
   ___plan sufficient time for conferences
   ___locate an appropriate place for conferences with the University Supervisor and my S.T.
   ___discuss and share teaching experiences