Our previous two posts focused on how to make a positive presence that strikes a professional tone upon introduction. The final two posts this month will share tips on how to continue to build and maintain your professional persona as you progress with your student teaching and gain more experience in the field.
As you become more knowledgeable about the current school environment you are in, you should feel comfortable finding a place where you can contribute more of your time to the community.
- Arrive at school early and help get ready for the day.
- Spend part of your break helping a student who needs extra support with their work.
- Stay after school to help a sports team or club, or assist at a weekend activity/event.
- Ask your cooperating teacher for 15 minutes each week to talk about your experiences and ask for their reflections, as they have been in your shoes themselves. Make the most of the people and resources you have around you. If these resources are scarce, think about where you can contribute to make the most of your experience.
- Help the PTA coordinate a clothing, food, or book drive to help local families or an organization important to the school community.
Showing that you are invested in your students by making yourself available beyond the required work time goes a long way in building relationships within your community and building your reputation as a caring, committed professional who wants to make a difference in the lives of their students.
Can you ask for a better endorsement of your teacher candidacy than this?
Rachael Moore
Duquesne University, School of Education
Pittsburgh, PA