Guidelines for Student Teaching Internship - The Citadel

E. First Day Student Teaching Intern is in AttendanceAlthough the intern will spend most of the first week observing, a table or a desk forhis/her use is particularly helpful. The intern may be tentative or apprehensive in the initialeffort to teach a class. The cooperating teacher needs to be cognizant of the fact that the internhas been thrust into a situation that is very different from the college environment and thathe/she will need assistance in making the transition into a new role.F. Introduction of the Student Teaching Intern to the ClassesAn introduction of an intern does more than present a name to a group of pupils. It canconvey enthusiasm, optimism, and confidence regarding the contributions the intern will maketo the learning process.The following may be helpful in designing an effective introductory statement:1. Project the feeling of sincerity and excitement at having the intern as part of the class;2. Recognize the competency of an intern. Specify major areas of study. Describe anyparticular experiences or achievements related to areas of study;3. Create prestige. The term "practice teacher" should be avoided as it may have aderogatory connotation. Emphasize the academic success that precedes the internship.The interns are completing the last requirement for graduation and initial certification asa teacher.4. Indicate confidence in the intern. Project the feeling that you know the student can worksuccessfully in the classroom;5. During the introduction, give the intern an opportunity to speak to the class.G. First Week of Student Teaching InternshipThe teaching internship should be thought of as a time to study teaching as well as toexperience teaching. It is a time to put untried ideas to the test in a variety of real situationsand to study the results. Introduction into teaching should be a gradual process in which theteaching intern assumes responsibility for a few basic activities. As the intern gains experienceand confidence, more assignments can be added. A warm, supportive environment thatfacilitates risk-taking is essential for the intern’s success.Possible activities during the observation period are:1. carrying out brief teaching activities with individuals or small groups;2. distributing and collecting papers;3. assisting in checking attendance;4. assisting in supervising;5. helping in administering tests and quizzes;6. assisting in laboratory and project work;The Citadel, School of Education 19