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Student Teaching Chatboard

Ideal supervising teacher?

by Melissa

Apr 7, 2010

Hello,

I am set to student teach next semester. I am currently observing in a 6th grade social studies/science classroom. I have been asked by the professor who handles placement at my university if I would like to stay with this teacher next semester. The teacher has also indicated that she would like me in her classroom.

However, I have a few concerns. While this teacher is extremely laid-back and has strong classroom management skills she appears to have weak instructional skills. I have never seen her do anything other than textbook/worksheet work for both subjects. She has the kids read the text out loud and then directs them where to find answers in the textbook.

On the one hand, I feel that b/c of her personality I would have the freedom to do what I please (i.e get creative) as long as I adhere to the curriculum and standards. On the other hand, I don't feel like I would learn much in the way of instruction from this teacher. Isn't that supposed to...See More

view previous comments

jamie You must weigh the advantages vs the disadvantages. What alternative mentor teachers are available? What are the odds of you getting a mentor teacher that works in the district that you "love," is "laid back," and has strong instructional skills? Providing that these are the only 3 variables you're eyeing, and you weigh these evenly; then, you curr...See MoreYou must weigh the advantages vs the disadvantages. What alternative mentor teachers are available? What are the odds of you getting a mentor teacher that works in the district that you "love," is "laid back," and has strong instructional skills? Providing that these are the only 3 variables you're eyeing, and you weigh these evenly; then, you currently have a 67% match.

On 4/07/10, Denise wrote: > > Hi Melissa, > > I would take the laid back teacher with great management skills > over someone with fantastic instruction but a controlling > demeanor any day of the week. > > Of course, the best scenario would be someone who was a > combination of these things. Keep in mind that creative > freedom is a great thing, and you learn more from your errors > than your successes. > > I had a teacher that was better than average with instructional > content. Unfortunately, she did not feel the need to share any > secrets with me, as she wanted to "see what you come up > with..." She was also very controlling, on more than one > occasion she tossed aside lessons I had planned simply because > she did not like my idea. > > If you have a good relationship now, I would stick with a > person that I was familiar with. Student teaching will be most > likely one of the most stressful times of your life, you will > occasionally make mistakes, and it is to your benefit to have a > mentor that will help you correct and learn from your past > errors. I had a 16 week placement with a woman who criticized > everything I did from words I chose to how I stapled papers. > By the end of the first month, I was terrified of making any > mistakes at all, terrified to ask her questions, and terrified > that I had made the wrong career choice. A year later, I know > that I made the right choice for me, and I love teaching, but > it would have been nice to make that discovery during my > student teaching experience. > > Good Luck to you! > > Denise > > > > > > > On 4/07/10, Melissa wrote: >> Hello, >> >> I am set to student teach next semester. I am currently >> observing in a 6th grade social studies/science classroom. >> I have been asked by the professor who handles placement at >> my university if I would like to stay with this teacher >> next semester. The teacher has also indicated that she >> would like me in her classroom. >> >> However, I have a few concerns. While this teacher is >> extremely laid-back and has strong classroom management >> skills she appears to have weak instructional skills. I >> have never seen her do anything other than >> textbook/worksheet work for both subjects. She has the kids >> read the text out loud and then directs them where to find >> answers in the textbook. >> >> On the one hand, I feel that b/c of her personality I would >> have the freedom to do what I please (i.e get creative) as >> long as I adhere to the curriculum and standards. On the >> other hand, I don't feel like I would learn much in the way >> of instruction from this teacher. Isn't that supposed to be >> a major part of student teaching? I should mention that I >> love this school and think that I would be happy to work >> there. Should I stick with her or take my chances on being >> assigned to a different teacher (and likely a different >> school)? >> >> Hope this makes sense. Thanks for your input.

Apr 13, 2010

Melissa Thanks for your advice Jamie. I did decide to pursue this assignment for student teaching based on exactly what you said- she meets most of my criteria. I highly doubt that any teacher exists that could meet all of my criteria. I'll make the best of whatever assignment I receive. Thanks again.

On 4/13/10, jamie wrote: > You must weigh ...See MoreThanks for your advice Jamie. I did decide to pursue this assignment for student teaching based on exactly what you said- she meets most of my criteria. I highly doubt that any teacher exists that could meet all of my criteria. I'll make the best of whatever assignment I receive. Thanks again.

On 4/13/10, jamie wrote: > You must weigh the advantages vs the disadvantages. What > alternative mentor teachers are available? What are the odds of > you getting a mentor teacher that works in the district that > you "love," is "laid back," and has strong instructional > skills? Providing that these are the only 3 variables you're > eyeing, and you weigh these evenly; then, you currently have a > 67% match. > > > On 4/07/10, Denise wrote: >> >> Hi Melissa, >> >> I would take the laid back teacher with great management skills >> over someone with fantastic instruction but a controlling >> demeanor any day of the week. >> >> Of course, the best scenario would be someone who was a >> combination of these things. Keep in mind that creative >> freedom is a great thing, and you learn more from your errors >> than your successes. >> >> I had a teacher that was better than average with instructional >> content. Unfortunately, she did not feel the need to share any >> secrets with me, as she wanted to "see what you come up >> with..." She was also very controlling, on more than one >> occasion she tossed aside lessons I had planned simply because >> she did not like my idea. >> >> If you have a good relationship now, I would stick with a >> person that I was familiar with. Student teaching will be most >> likely one of the most stressful times of your life, you will >> occasionally make mistakes, and it is to your benefit to have a >> mentor that will help you correct and learn from your past >> errors. I had a 16 week placement with a woman who criticized >> everything I did from words I chose to how I stapled papers. >> By the end of the first month, I was terrified of making any >> mistakes at all, terrified to ask her questions, and terrified >> that I had made the wrong career choice. A year later, I know >> that I made the right choice for me, and I love teaching, but >> it would have been nice to make that discovery during my >> student teaching experience. >> >> Good Luck to you! >> >> Denise >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On 4/07/10, Melissa wrote: >>> Hello, >>> >>> I am set to student teach next semester. I am currently >>> observing in a 6th grade social studies/science classroom. >>> I have been asked by the professor who handles placement at >>> my university if I would like to stay with this teacher >>> next semester. The teacher has also indicated that she >>> would like me in her classroom. >>> >>> However, I have a few concerns. While this teacher is >>> extremely laid-back and has strong classroom management >>> skills she appears to have weak instructional skills. I >>> have never seen her do anything other than >>> textbook/worksheet work for both subjects. She has the kids >>> read the text out loud and then directs them where to find >>> answers in the textbook. >>> >>> On the one hand, I feel that b/c of her personality I would >>> have the freedom to do what I please (i.e get creative) as >>> long as I adhere to the curriculum and standards. On the >>> other hand, I don't feel like I would learn much in the way >>> of instruction from this teacher. Isn't that supposed to be >>> a major part of student teaching? I should mention that I >>> love this school and think that I would be happy to work >>> there. Should I stick with her or take my chances on being >>> assigned to a different teacher (and likely a different >>> school)? >>> >>> Hope this makes sense. Thanks for your input.

Apr 14, 2010

jamie Good luck Melissa. Work hard and have fun!

On 4/14/10, Melissa wrote: > Thanks for your advice Jamie. I did decide to pursue this > assignment for student teaching based on exactly what you said- she > meets most of my criteria. I highly doubt that any teacher exists > that could meet all of my criteria. I'll make the best of w...See MoreGood luck Melissa. Work hard and have fun!

On 4/14/10, Melissa wrote: > Thanks for your advice Jamie. I did decide to pursue this > assignment for student teaching based on exactly what you said- she > meets most of my criteria. I highly doubt that any teacher exists > that could meet all of my criteria. I'll make the best of whatever > assignment I receive. Thanks again. > > > > > > > > > On 4/13/10, jamie wrote: >> You must weigh the advantages vs the disadvantages. What >> alternative mentor teachers are available? What are the odds of >> you getting a mentor teacher that works in the district that >> you "love," is "laid back," and has strong instructional >> skills? Providing that these are the only 3 variables you're >> eyeing, and you weigh these evenly; then, you currently have a >> 67% match. >> >> >> On 4/07/10, Denise wrote: >>> >>> Hi Melissa, >>> >>> I would take the laid back teacher with great management skills >>> over someone with fantastic instruction but a controlling >>> demeanor any day of the week. >>> >>> Of course, the best scenario would be someone who was a >>> combination of these things. Keep in mind that creative >>> freedom is a great thing, and you learn more from your errors >>> than your successes. >>> >>> I had a teacher that was better than average with instructional >>> content. Unfortunately, she did not feel the need to share any >>> secrets with me, as she wanted to "see what you come up >>> with..." She was also very controlling, on more than one >>> occasion she tossed aside lessons I had planned simply because >>> she did not like my idea. >>> >>> If you have a good relationship now, I would stick with a >>> person that I was familiar with. Student teaching will be most >>> likely one of the most stressful times of your life, you will >>> occasionally make mistakes, and it is to your benefit to have a >>> mentor that will help you correct and learn from your past >>> errors. I had a 16 week placement with a woman who criticized >>> everything I did from words I chose to how I stapled papers. >>> By the end of the first month, I was terrified of making any >>> mistakes at all, terrified to ask her questions, and terrified >>> that I had made the wrong career choice. A year later, I know >>> that I made the right choice for me, and I love teaching, but >>> it would have been nice to make that discovery during my >>> student teaching experience. >>> >>> Good Luck to you! >>> >>> Denise >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 4/07/10, Melissa wrote: >>>> Hello, >>>> >>>> I am set to student teach next semester. I am currently >>>> observing in a 6th grade social studies/science classroom. >>>> I have been asked by the professor who handles placement at >>>> my university if I would like to stay with this teacher >>>> next semester. The teacher has also indicated that she >>>> would like me in her classroom. >>>> >>>> However, I have a few concerns. While this teacher is >>>> extremely laid-back and has strong classroom management >>>> skills she appears to have weak instructional skills. I >>>> have never seen her do anything other than >>>> textbook/worksheet work for both subjects. She has the kids >>>> read the text out loud and then directs them where to find >>>> answers in the textbook. >>>> >>>> On the one hand, I feel that b/c of her personality I would >>>> have the freedom to do what I please (i.e get creative) as >>>> long as I adhere to the curriculum and standards. On the >>>> other hand, I don't feel like I would learn much in the way >>>> of instruction from this teacher. Isn't that supposed to be >>>> a major part of student teaching? I should mention that I >>>> love this school and think that I would be happy to work >>>> there. Should I stick with her or take my chances on being >>>> assigned to a different teacher (and likely a different >>>> school)? >>>> >>>> Hope this makes sense. Thanks for your input.

Apr 15, 2010

Lynn I saw you posted that you already accepted this position. I believe that was the best choice. While it's great to be able to observe how other teachers teach things, you won't get far in doing that without the "strong classroom management skills" she has to share with you.

One word of caution though. Remember that essentially you're a gues...See MoreI saw you posted that you already accepted this position. I believe that was the best choice. While it's great to be able to observe how other teachers teach things, you won't get far in doing that without the "strong classroom management skills" she has to share with you.

One word of caution though. Remember that essentially you're a guest in her classroom. I don't know how long she's been teaching, but she probably has reasons for how she instructs the class. And while you said she's extemely laid back, she might have qualms about a new teacher coming into the classroom trying fun and upbeat things (that get the kids excited and questioning her teaching methods) as it essentially says to her, you don't know how to get your class engaged and motivated, but I do. I know you are not meaning to come off like this, but it can definitely be an affront to this teacher's teaching. This master teacher will evaluate you and you need to make sure you stay on her good side.

I have heard about too many master teachers who had the power to severely disrupt a student teacher's progress towards a teaching credential. I had a horrible experience and I don't wish that on anyone.

Despite a multitude of other issues with my master teacher, I too, tried to plan fun and engaging lessons (they all met the state standards). After my MT witnessed the positive response of the students, she told me to stop trying to reinvent the wheel.

When you have your own classroom you will be able to put these creative ideas into motion. Though more often than not, you will find that your pacing guide will not allow for fun explorations of topics as you will need to constantly prepare for the state tests with less than exciting activities...though active participation will still play a strong role.

My advice would be to soak up any classroom management strategies she has to offer and relay all lesson plans (including activities) by her beforehand.

Also remember, you may not agree with various teaching ideas or methods presented by her, but she has been teaching for longer than you have and she just may know what she's talking about.

> However, I have a few concerns. While this teacher is > extremely laid-back and has strong classroom management > skills she appears to have weak instructional skills. I > have never seen her do anything other than > textbook/worksheet work for both subjects. She has the kids > read the text out loud and then directs them where to find > answers in the textbook. > > On the one hand, I feel that b/c of her personality I would > have the freedom to do what I please (i.e get creative) as > long as I adhere to the curriculum and standards. On the > other hand, I don't feel like I would learn much in the way > of instruction from this teacher. Isn't that supposed to be > a major part of student teaching? I should mention that I > love this school and think that I would be happy to work > there. Should I stick with her or take my chances on being > assigned to a different teacher (and likely a different > school)? > > Hope this makes sense. Thanks for your input.

Apr 15, 2010

Melissa Lynn,

Thanks for your advice. I have worried about the same issue and realize that I should proceed with caution. This is a second career for me and I know that it is never a good idea to try and show up your boss. :-) It is also possible that I haven't seen her at her best. I know that she has a very busy personal life and sometimes some...See MoreLynn,

Thanks for your advice. I have worried about the same issue and realize that I should proceed with caution. This is a second career for me and I know that it is never a good idea to try and show up your boss. :-) It is also possible that I haven't seen her at her best. I know that she has a very busy personal life and sometimes something has to give. As for classroom mgmt. I tend to be too nice and then, when I've had my fill, I become extremely angry. This teacher is very matter-of-fact and hands out discipline when it is due. She is consistent and there is no yelling involved. I am a yeller but I know that I can't survive in a job if I am going to yell everyday. That just sounds miserable.

I really appreciate all of the advice. I am much less of a know-it-all this time around (maturity certainly helps) and am always looking for advice from veteran teachers.

On 4/15/10, Lynn wrote: > I saw you posted that you already accepted this position. I > believe that was the best choice. While it's great to be > able to observe how other teachers teach things, you won't > get far in doing that without the "strong classroom > management skills" she has to share with you. > > One word of caution though. Remember that essentially you're > a guest in her classroom. I don't know how long she's been > teaching, but she probably has reasons for how she instructs > the class. And while you said she's extemely laid back, she > might have qualms about a new teacher coming into the > classroom trying fun and upbeat things (that get the kids > excited and questioning her teaching methods) as it > essentially says to her, you don't know how to get your class > engaged and motivated, but I do. I know you are not meaning > to come off like this, but it can definitely be an affront to > this teacher's teaching. This master teacher will evaluate > you and you need to make sure you stay on her good side. > > I have heard about too many master teachers who had the power > to severely disrupt a student teacher's progress towards a > teaching credential. I had a horrible experience and I don't > wish that on anyone. > > Despite a multitude of other issues with my master teacher, I > too, tried to plan fun and engaging lessons (they all met the > state standards). After my MT witnessed the positive > response of the students, she told me to stop trying to > reinvent the wheel. > > When you have your own classroom you will be able to put > these creative ideas into motion. Though more often than > not, you will find that your pacing guide will not allow for > fun explorations of topics as you will need to constantly > prepare for the state tests with less than exciting > activities...though active participation will still play a > strong role. > > My advice would be to soak up any classroom management > strategies she has to offer and relay all lesson plans > (including activities) by her beforehand. > > Also remember, you may not agree with various teaching ideas > or methods presented by her, but she has been teaching for > longer than you have and she just may know what she's talking > about. > > >> However, I have a few concerns. While this teacher is >> extremely laid-back and has strong classroom management >> skills she appears to have weak instructional skills. I >> have never seen her do anything other than >> textbook/worksheet work for both subjects. She has the kids >> read the text out loud and then directs them where to find >> answers in the textbook. >> >> On the one hand, I feel that b/c of her personality I would >> have the freedom to do what I please (i.e get creative) as >> long as I adhere to the curriculum and standards. On the >> other hand, I don't feel like I would learn much in the way >> of instruction from this teacher. Isn't that supposed to be >> a major part of student teaching? I should mention that I >> love this school and think that I would be happy to work >> there. Should I stick with her or take my chances on being >> assigned to a different teacher (and likely a different >> school)? >> >> Hope this makes sense. Thanks for your input.

Apr 16, 2010

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