After talking to many different teachers about what makes a great student teacher, I’ve comprised a list of the top 5 most noted character traits that make student teachers outstanding. Be sure to take on board these habits to become the best student teacher EVER! Read on…

Be flexible

Welcome to teacher life! Flexibility is key to surviving in this profession. No matter how well-planned you are, there are never any guarantees that things will go according to plan. In fact it is always a huge surprise when things do as it is such a rare occasion. Last minute changes are inevitable so be quick to get on board the ever unpredictable world of teaching.

Welcome feedback

The way you respond to feedback, will help you grow as an educator to be. Positive feedback is of course so much easier to accept than negative or critical feedback. Ask what you can do to improve, take on board the suggestions you are given, with a positive mindset. Remember your mentor wants you to succeed so interpret any negative feedback as an opportunity for growth.

Take initiative

Don’t always wait to be told what to do. After your first few days of observing how the class functions, take the initiative to become active and do something new. Do something helpful such as introducing a new monitor scheme, organising the class library books, offer and share your ideas on how to better improve the class, make an educational display, do anything that will bring your mark to the class.

Take risks

Say goodbye to your comfort zone and brace yourself to try out new ideas. Share your ideas with your mentor teacher first, just to make sure that you are going about things the right way, for they know the class best. Make any adjustments recommended, if any, then go for it and give it a shot! Teachers and pupils are always grateful for fresh new ideas and ways of doing things, so show what you are made of. It’s so much easier today to get ideas than it was in my day. Ha! I sound old now! 🤣 😂

Embrace all aspects of teacher life

Don’t be fooled to think that teaching is purely lesson plans and classroom management. Help with mundane work, give feedback about the children to the teacher, give feedback to the children, build relationships with them. Be punctual, keen, willing and with a big smile.

There is no doubt that by following the above advice and taking on board these tips you will be the best student teacher anyone ever had! 

🍀 Good luck with your school placement!
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Till next time…