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David of Alamance - Welcome to the student teachers' chat meeting.
David of Alamance - Hi Christine! Are you a student teacher?
Christine/VA - I started today, yep.
David of Alamance - Well congratulations! What grade?
Christine/VA - First
David of Alamance - Hi Linda! Welcome! Are you a second grade teacher or are you student teaching in 2nd grade?
Linda/2/CA - Hi David and Christine--no, I am not a student teacher--I am a 30 year veteran--and also a mentor teacher
Linda/2/CA - listening to student teachers and beginning teachers helps me with my own new teachers and interns
David of Alamance - Well let's get started. Christine - it looks like you're outnumbered by veteran teachers. We're here to help you. Do you have any questions or concerns?
Christine/VA - Well then, I'll just feel lucky to have you both all to myself.
David of Alamance - Since you're student teaching in first, we're lucky to have Linda here. I've never taught below third myself.
Linda/2/CA - I have taught K-8
Christine/VA - Well, I guess part of my current dilemma is mostly due to the fact that this is the cooperating teacher's second full year
David of Alamance - Wow Christine - so she's still learning the ropes also.
Linda/2/CA - Why did they give you to someone who is only in 2nd year?
Linda/2/CA - In our district that person would still be in the mentoring program herself
Christine/VA - So, I'm not sure exactly what I should be asking and she isn't sure at all what she's doing. By her own admission
David of Alamance - Kenzieq - what grade will you be assigned to? Do you know yet?
David of Alamance - Christine - would it be possible for you to request a transfer to a more experienced teacher?
kenzieq - I will have a lower grade for seven weeks (1-4) and then (5-8) one of these grades for seven weeks
kenzieq - I will know the grades next week
Linda/2/CA - First thing I tell our new teachers, is to become familiar with the state frameworks, curr, standards or what ever they call it in VA
David of Alamance - kenzieq - is this a student teaching practicum or is this an observation?
kenzieq - student teaching
Christine/VA - To the best of my knowledge, I can't. And this woman went through the same program I did and they loved her, so...probably not.
Linda/2/CA - You will not really be able to do much in 7 weeks
kenzieq - I will only have a week to prepare to meet my first teacher, any advice
Christine/VA - Linda, thankfully, I worked for the state superintendent organizatin before I student taught, so I'm fairly familiar with the SOLs
David of Alamance - Christine - okay - not to worry. Since she's only slightly experienced herself, perhaps you can learn together.
Linda/2/CA - Does VA have a mentoring program?
David of Alamance - kenzieq - Advice for meeting the cooperating teacher. Introduce yourself. See if you can get a copy of any of the following - student textbooks, school map, (for orientation), a copy of the seating chart, a copy of the class roster, a copy of the student handbook and the teachers handbook. The teachers' handbook will give you information about lots of different procedures i.e. fire drills, tardiness penalties etc.
Linda/2/CA - where are you kenzieq?
kenzieq - thanks
kenzieq - I live in tennessee
Christine/VA - Not statewide, no.
Linda/2/CA - Christine--familiarize yourself with those SOL and the materials that are available to teach them--then go to t.net lesson bank for more ideas
Christy/PA/2 - not a student teacher.... but a 1st year teacher......
kenzieq - We have to teach in two school systems to meet the requirements of our teaching program
Christy/PA/2 - David...... are you in Alamance County , NC?
Linda/2/CA - and since you are in essence taking over her class--discuss her discipline plan with her--don't want to step on too many toes
Christine/VA - We actually went through the discipline plan today. It was very helpful
David of Alamance - Kenzieq - more advice - see if you can set up a time to meet with your cooperating teacher on a daily basis so that you'll have the opportunity to ask questions or get advice. Also - learn the classroom rules and the rewards and consequences. As a student teacher, you will be expected to support and enforce the classroom rules.
Linda/2/CA - yes--david--I make sure all new/student teachers have all of those things--also people who can help them with specifics that I am not so knowledgable about
Linda/2/CA - how many hours/day are you both doing your student teaching? all day?
David of Alamance - Yes, I'm in Alamance County.
Christine/VA - Linda, I'm in there all day for about 12 weeks. And I'll be in charge of teaching for at least 6 weeks
Christy/PA/2 - David, had gone to a teachers fair for Alamance Burlington County in 1998...
David of Alamance - Actually Christine - you may want to look at the advice I wrote for kenzieq. Your cooperating teacher - being relatively new, may not have thought about this.
kenzie - What should I do if my co-op teacher and myself don't get along. I don't want this to happen at all but what should I do if it does?
Christy/PA/2 - kenzie...... think positive..... you're GOING to get along!!! :0)
David of Alamance - Christy - Ah and yet, you're in Pennsylvania. Well ... I don't think you missed anything. This wasn't an easy county to work for and I anticipate relocating to Virginia next summer.
Christine/VA - Actually David, you're making me feel better, we went through all of that stuff after class this afternoon
Linda/2/CA - Ok--then ask her what subject(s) she would like you to teach--find out what has been taught in those subjects and what needs to be taught--and be aware if and when there is a standarized test
David of Alamance - kenzie - remember that you're a guest in the classroom so as long as you work within the cooperating teacher's expectations, you shouldn't have any problems. And don't worry about "what if" because lots of things could happen if you play the "what if
Christy/PA/2 - David...... the hiring process is so different from here in PA..... "down there" the principals do the hiring... here its the school board..and we dont have county wide systems like you do
David of Alamance - Kenzie - Don't play the what if game or you'll drive yourself nuts. (sorry about that last part, I hit the return by mistake).
Linda/2/CA - word of advice--DON'T tell the coop teacher that his/her methods are outdated--even if they are
David of Alamance - Christy - really? Hmmmm ... maybe I should move up north ... but BRRRR it's too cold.
kenzie - sometimes I have a tendancy to let my mind run in a crazy cycle because I want to succeed.
Mena of NJ - I just finished my ST in Dec.
Christy/PA/2 - David........ naaaaaaaaa........... it's been in the 50s the past 4 days!!!! :-) Look out when winter does decide to come...... LOL
David of Alamance - I'll echo what Linda said by also suggesting that you not try to argue with your cooperating teacher.
Mena of NJ - not really.. I just got a job.. thought I could help out..
David of Alamance - Mena - oh good, then maybe you'll have some insight to help the student teachers who are just starting out.
Christy/PA/2 - Mena.... congrats on landing a job!!! I have been out of college since 94...and just got my 1st teaching job this year!!!
kenzie - I guess I wouldn't want anyone to tell me how to teach so I'll be careful and considerate.
Mena of NJ - Wow.. elementary ed
Christy/PA/2 - YES...........
David of Alamance - Christy - I reread your earlier comment. I think it's great that the two of you already came up with the ideas that I shared with ... okay, where'd he go?
Christine/VA - I started today, so ...ready or not, here I am. :)
Mena of NJ - I'm special ed so I found one pretty quickly..
Linda/2/CA - ask for advice--also ask for materials--don't spend hours and hours making something only to find out that the coop teacher already has it
Mena of NJ - While I was student teaching, I sent out 25 resumes in 2 weeks... got 10 call backs in the first week... they needed people like crazy
Mena of NJ - i only ended up going on 2 interviews and then i got a job.
Mena of NJ - i lucked out
kenzie - I'm going to a job fair in february. any advice on interviewing?
Ivan/8/CT - I just sent my student teacher out into the real world.
Mena of NJ - me too... I started today too!
Linda/2/CA - As a mentor--I don't tell them how to teach--everyone has own style--but I do help with management a lot--that seems to be something that is not taught in college
David of Alamance - basilrabbit - what could we do for you?
basilrabbit - nothing specific, actually...i've been student teaching for a while
Linda/2/CA - be yourself--and be honest
Mena of NJ - KENZie... Just be yourself and smile...
Ivan/8/CT - How is it going basil?
basilrabbit - starting my five weeks of takeover though on wednesday; i'm just a little nervous
David of Alamance - kenzie - advice for interviewing - hmmmm ... have you prepared a professional portfolio?
Ivan/8/CT - What grade and subject, basil?
David of Alamance - basilrabbit - congratulations - what grade are you working with?
Linda/2/CA - we had 2 teachers who agreed to teach bilingual--this was prior to 227--and then refused to take the needed classes to help them--and then cried because the classes were not learning
Mena of NJ - and when you answer your questions.. don't continue to talk just because the interviewer doesn't look satisified... if you think you are ok w/ your answer... then leave it at then.. some people tend to go on and on and on..
basilrabbit - ivan, 3rd and 4th grade blend
basilrabbit - need help with preassessment ideas for weather unit...
kenzie - I will be in the process of preparing my portfolio while I student teach, so it won't be ready when I go to the job fair
Mena of NJ - BASIL where are you from.. and how long do you have to ST for?
Mena of NJ - Not ONE interview asked to see mine
David of Alamance - kenzie - other interviewing advice - think about what YOU can do to help the school. Like it or not the school doesn't care about why you want the job.
Linda/2/CA - Word to all new teachers--even after 30 years I am nervous before the first day--and so are most other veteran teachers--so you are not alone
basilrabbit - i'm in oregon...i started with practicum last march, half time student teaching in fall, and i start full time student teaching on wednesday
David of Alamance - Kenzie - I'd prepare a portfolio anyway. Include your resume, sample lesson plans, pictures of you student teaching ...
Ivan/8/CT - That's really good advice, Mena. Also, I recommend taking the time to think about your answer before you begin. Don't just start talking without framing your ideas first.
Mena of NJ - Yes... If you are willing to sponser extracurricular activities or coach.. they love that!
David of Alamance - Linda - I agree with you. I never can sleep before the first day of class.
basilrabbit - that's good to hear, linda...i just don't want vacation to end!
Linda/2/CA - basil--I had kids write what they knew about weather on cloud shapes--these were put on BB--then they wrote ??'s on lightning
kenzie - thanks david, i'll remember that
Mena of NJ - Yes Ivan, if you have to THINK about your answer that's ok.... don't be nervous b/c you think you are pausing too long.. it's ok
Mena of NJ - BASIL...that's a long drawn out student teahcing.. mine was only from sept to dec.
basilrabbit - great idea, linda. i also need numerical data so i can gauge learning gains in work sample
David of Alamance - kenzie - and don't forget to dress professionally! You'd be surprised at the number of people who show up in jeans. I know one guy who went to a job interview in a sweaty t-shirt and jogging shorts.
basilrabbit - it feels long, mena
Mena of NJ - We did have a year of practicum.. but between 4 different schools and then ST
Linda/2/CA - I have seen the same thing david--on the other hand--leave the red at home
David of Alamance - Mena - yep - the heck of it is, HE GOT THE JOB. He walked in without a scheduled interview but had his baby daughter with him and as easy as you please, he asked for an interview and the personnel director hired him on the spot! (sigh) Some people have all the luck.
Mena of NJ - Whoa.. they must have needed someone..
basilrabbit - i hope i get that lucky!
kenzie - I wish I was so lucky:0)
Mena of NJ - is anyone from jersey here?
David of Alamance - Mena - nah - it turned out that in chatting, the personnel director realized that he was golf buddies with the applicant's father.
Mena of NJ - oh... it's who you know.. of course
David of Alamance - Sometimes having an "in" helps in finding a job.
Linda/2/CA - Also--look at the smaller districts around you--especially the rural ones--they seem to need teachers most often--would get you some experience
basilrabbit - i've been in the classroom for several months now, should i write an introductory letter for my solo teaching?
David of Alamance - And if you're looking for a job AND you're willing to relocate, there are jobs a plenty out there - especially in places like Texas, California, and North Carolina. North Carolina still has teacher vacancies.
David of Alamance - basilrabbit - If the parents already know you, I wouldn't worry about it.
Mena of NJ - If any of you are student teaching in the FALL make sure you look for jobs in january.. you'd be amazed how many are availabe then... plus less ppl are looking
kenzie - I think some people from North Carolina will be at my job fair
David of Alamance - basilrabbit - just to be safe, you may want to ask your cooperating teacher.
Linda/2/CA - yes--CA is in desperate need of cred teachers--we have an awful lot of teachers who are interns or on emeg creds
basilrabbit - thanks, david, that's what i thought...i'll just continue to send out the weekly newsletter my CT writes
basilrabbit - linda, do you know anything about northern california?
David of Alamance - Linda - I thought about relocating out there but I think experienced teachers have too much of a burden on them given the rapid expansion that California has gone through.
Linda/2/CA - where in No CA? I am in the central valley
basilrabbit - i have family in southern oregon near border at the coast; we've thought about relocating to Northern California coast
Linda/2/CA - yes--the salaries david--they want experience but don't want to pay the salaries--thought I did hear that Oakland Unified will hire anyone with a cred
Linda/2/CA - they might need teachers in that area--but then again not
David of Alamance - basilrabbit - I have family in California and I can tell you that property in northern California is cheaper than elsewhere - particularly that long strip between San Francisco and San Jose.
kenzie - what are some of the major expenses involved in student teaching that I should know about?
Linda/2/CA - David--if you come to CA--try for Santa Barbara--I hear they are paying teachers $60K :-(
David of Alamance - California maintains a website that lists ALL teaching jobs in the state but I don't know their web address.
basilrabbit - that's good to know; i'll try an internet search
David of Alamance - kenzie - major expenses? Hmmmm ... it depends upon whether or not you have a reward system. Rewards can get expensive. Also - if you want hands on materials for teaching that are not available at your school, this could get expensive.
basilrabbit - kenzie, i haven't spent all that much yet (aside from tuition that is). your teacher should have a lot of supplies you can use
Linda/CA - This is the web site for CDE http://goldmine.cde.ca.gov/
David of Alamance - Linda - you're kidding? Santa Barbara? Hmmmm ... maybe ... but California is just so crowded.
basilrabbit - i've paid for small items for some science experiments and bought a spanish/english dictionary to use, but i think i've only spent about $30 so far
Linda/CA - some parts are crowded--the so half
basilrabbit - thanks linda
David of Alamance - basilrabbit - a suggestion. If you haven't already done so, keep all receipts for itemized job related tax deductions on your income tax.
basilrabbit - any ideas how to balance time between hands on, cooperative learning and a more traditional style?
Linda/CA - I personally try to stay away from material awards--that can be very expensive--I know that some one has posted lists of non-material rewards
Toasted Ravioli - I am about to start student teaching..any advice?
tchkdz - At what age are you using these rewards?
Linda/CA - depends on what you are most comfortable with--and the grade--i find coop learning difficult in my class--course I only have 7 of the students I started with in Aug
David of Alamance - basilrabbit - I'd use a mixture of instructional methodologies. This would help make instruction more rich and diverse and in teaching this way, you'd be reaching different types of learners.
basilrabbit - ravioli, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of juice! i'm not kidding...
David of Alamance - Toasted Ravioli - what grade will you be student teaching in?
Linda/CA - Sleep?? What's that???
basilrabbit - my students are really movement/chaos oriented...they seem to really thrive on the hands on, but there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day
Christine/VA - Linda, how many kids are in your class now?
kenzie - david and linda...........what grades do you teach?
Toasted Ravioli - I wll be student teaching 9th-11th grade business classes.
Linda/CA - 20
Linda/CA - I teach 2nd now--but have taught K-8
tchkdz - Cooperative Learning can be great if you have behavior under control
Christine/VA - And you only started with *7* of them? Goodness. That must make for an interesting yar.
Christine/VA - Or year. :)
David of Alamance - kenzie - I'm not currently teaching. I taught for 16 years - the last 8 of which were overseas in the Middle East. I spent 7 years in Saudi Arabia and 1 in Beirut, Lebanon and after I voluntarily evacuated last July following the bombing of Beirut by the Israeli Air Force, I decided to take this year off.
Linda/CA - I will give you the advice my coop teacher gave me 30 years ago and that I still use--do whatever is necessary
Linda/CA - yes--lots of migrants
kenzie - I think you deserve this year off, david
Toasted Ravioli - I think I am more nervous about student teaching than I was about sustitute teaching.
tchkdz - I suppose you have a diverse group in CA too?
Linda/CA - yes--and when are you going to write that book--make sure it get's on amazon's site
David of Alamance - Toasted Ravioli - I don't think we have any highschool teachers here but some basic advice still applies. Get a copy of the class rosters, seating charts, (if any), school map, student handbook, teachers' handbook, and any textbooks used by the students. Also -see if you can set up a time to meet with your cooperating teacher on a daily basis so that you can ask questions and get feedback.
basilrabbit - i'd have to agree with kenzie, david
tchkdz - What book?
Linda/CA - well--as for CA have diversity--let's just say that the largest district near me has 87 different ethnic groups--and 87 different languages!!!
Toasted Ravioli - I have met with him once already...He gave me lesson plans for the unit I will start to teach in two weeks. Don't the cooperating teachers stay in the room with the student teachers?
David of Alamance - Hah - thank you. I did actually try to teach here in North Carolina but if you've followed my posts on the main board, you know that I was given a medical discharge for post traumatic stress. It was a bit difficult trying to teach when a crash of thunder would send me diving for the floor shouting, "AIR RAID!" (sigh) Still - I'm glad I've had the time off. I needed the rest and the nightmares about the bombing are long gone ...
Linda/CA - sometimes--mine left me totally alone after 3 days
tchkdz - I have only been teaching for 4 years, but I did a lot of substitute teaching in all different areas but I have never had the experience of working with this many cultures.
Toasted Ravioli - That makes me really nervous Linda.
David of Alamance - Toasted Ravioli - IN THEORY they should stay in the classroom because a good cooperating teacher is like a safety net and if things go wrong, your cooperating teacher is there. In reality, some cooperating teachers seem to regard their student teachers as an excuse for having an extended coffee break.
kenzie - I hope I get a chance to teach alot without my co-op teacher in there, no offense linda;)
basilrabbit - i think it's easier when the teacher isn't in the room...
Linda/CA - If the coop teacher stays in the room--it undermines your control over the class--whether done deliberately or not--you need to learn if you can handle them yourself
basilrabbit - i bet your nerves will dissipate in time, ravioli
David of Alamance - Linda - Hmmm ... now I don't agree with you on this. I always stayed in the room but I sat unobtrusively in the back.
Toasted Ravioli - That makes sense. I just want to do really well.
Christine/VA - I was really nervous this morning, but it went away fairly quickly. Though I suspect when I start taking over, it will come back quickly
kenzie - just relax and think about why you became a teacher. It's all so much fun
basilrabbit - i have 2 CT's because both are on part time status this year...it has really been confusing to the kids having so many adults...
Linda/CA - David--I have seen kids go to the coop teacher instead of the student teacher--unless it has definitely been established that the student teacher is in charge
Toasted Ravioli - I think I will be nervous because I know half the kids.
tchkdz - When I was student teaching, my cooperating teacher left the room with cart loads of work to catch up on, but then when I went to student teach Kdgn, it was much different. Whatever the case, you are there to learn mostly from your students- They will test you and try you, but they love the change of pace and a new face!
basilrabbit - i get comments like "i don't have to listen to you, you're just a student teacher". i'm hoping this ends when i'm the only adult in the room
Linda/CA - So you are nervous--try having in one class of 20--the super's son, the president of the board's daughter, and the grandson of one of the principals!!!
David of Alamance - Linda - True ... if students did this in my room, I just silently pointed at the cooperating teacher. You have to understand also - last year when I taught in Beirut, my two student teachers were Lebanese from the American University of Beirut. They were not nearly as well prepared to do their student teaching as many student teachers are here in the states.
Toasted Ravioli - ok ok, you got me beat. My big one is our car salesman's daughter..
David of Alamance - basilrabbit - Your cooperating teacher should have made it very clear that he or she supports your authority as a student teacher. In terms of students questioning you, you're being tested so enforce the classroom rules and if someone refuses to cooperate, implement an immediate consequence.
Linda/CA - Basil--they will test anyone--the reg teacher, the sub, the student teacher, the prin--anyone
basilrabbit - david, my teachers have done a pretty good job of that, but the child that challenges me the most has some extreme anger issues...i think he has me pegged as an easy target
Linda/CA - be firm and tell them that you are in charge
Linda/CA - basil--have you checked to see what this child's home life is like?
tchkdz - Good luck- you'll do fine and soon enough you will have your own classroom full of kids who respect you because like someone else said- you harbor a safe place for them to be. Have fun and don't worry!
David of Alamance - basilrabbit - then above all else - remain calm and be firm, fair, and consistent with your implmentation of classroom rules and consequences.
David of Alamance - We're running out of time folks, any last questions?
basilrabbit - nope...thanks everybody!!
Toasted Ravioli - Not right now, but I think I will be back next meeting, thanks for the imput.
Christine/VA - Not me, thanks David and Linda!
David of Alamance - Okay - well then I think that's a wrap for this session. In terms of the next meeting, I'll talk to Kathleen. She'd like to eventually have us scheduled for a consistent date but right now, it's catch as catch can.
David of Alamance - Thanks everyone for coming. Last time we only had one student teacher.
Linda/CA - Bye David--and get busy with that book!! I want to read it!
David of Alamance - I'll post the time of the next meeting on the student teacher board as soon as I know.
David of Alamance - Thanks again for your help Linda. I'll think about Santa Barbara.
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