Tips for a successful practicum
Regardless of your mentor teacher's age, show respect for their experience and acknowledge yourself as a beginner who is eager to learn
Be enthusiastic and teachable
When observing your mentor teacher in action, stand up and walk around the classroom while students are completing activities right from the start. This will help build your confidence quickly talking to students.
Wear comfortable but professional shoes - invest in your feet!
Feel free to contact your supervising teacher ahead of time introduce yourself, and consider going in to meet them and the class.
Learn student names and build connections with students as quickly as possible by asking them about their day, their weekend and their interests. Students will want to engage with you if they feel they have a connection.
Have your lesson planning to your supervising teacher at least the day before to allow them time to review.
Ask to observe other teachers as well as your mentor teacher if possible. This gives them a break but more importantly, gives you an opportunity to see how others teach.
Reflect on your lessons as much and as thoroughly as possible. Write notes on what went well and what could be improved. This comes in handy for future assessments at university but also for your personal growth and development.
Seek feedback but try not to take it personally. Take all feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Be kind to yourself - this is your first time in front of a classroom and at least one lesson will not go the way you expect it to.
Find something to like about every student - even the ones that test your patience.
You will experience a level of tired you may not have experienced before - this is normal and gets easier.
Get involved with everything you can - lunch duty, sports days, assemblies, walking around the school to get a feel for it, etc.
Be confident and composed in front of students - they don't know if the lesson isn't going to plan.
Make a note of every good idea you see for future use.
Think critically and ask questions, but don't criticize.
Ask questions from as many people as you can.
Remember that you are a student first - you are there to learn and try new things in a safe environment before you eventually go out on your own. You're not meant to be 100% comfortable and confident today or even tomorrow. It takes time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When, and how, is best to contact schools about jobs for next term/year?
A: Now. Call the school to find out who the hiring Deputy Principal is (if not listed on Smart Jobs or Seek), and send an email them with your resume and final prac reports. Consider walking in to the schools you are interested in wand handing in your resume directly.