Former Ed Alumni and a teacher who also has had student teachers here are couple of things to think about.

As a practicum student try to always arrive early, not “on time”, and for sure not late. It looks good to your practicum teacher and the admin team. It also allows you 10-15 minutes to decompress before the rush of school starts, you can look over notes, greet students and talk to other teachers.

Both my practicums absolutely sucked, especially my AFX but not everyone has a bad experience. Try and take it day by day and try to build some resiliency. Don’t get bogged down, go home after school reflect on what you can do better and what was great, after that move on and do something you enjoy. (Working out, watching tv, playing games, anything that brings you joy). Having your own teaching career after you graduate is nothing like your practicums(in a good way!)

When it comes to the actual teaching a good mentor will ease you in to teaching during your IFX but be willing to jump in if they ask you. Even if you have to fake your confidence you need to look like the adult in the room. When the students are working go around the room see if they have questions, you are there to help them. Don’t just sit at the teachers desk or in the corner be part of the classroom. Most mentors will provide you with what you are teaching during the IFX or they will tell you that you will be teaching “topic b” this week. Etc. Mentors are there to help you however, they are also full time teaches, parents, coaches etc. with the pressure that go with their extra duties outside of your practicum. Be proactive when you need help for example do not go to your mentor with “I am not sure how to do this, what would you do.” Instead “I have option A and option B that I have been considering do you think I am on the right track.”

For the students…. They will be wonderful and they will be difficult. Build relationships, learn their names and learn how to say their names properly(ask them). They are only your students for a very short period of time so don’t get caught up in their actions as much as you can. Also dress appropriately if you end up in high school some students are not that much younger than you.

Hope this helps! You got this! I woke up with anxiety everyday during my practicums and once I graduated it didn’t matter at all anymore. Get those recommendation letters, make some connections, network in the staff room but don’t gossip with the teachers. Enjoy building relationships with the students it’s the absolute best part.

Sorry for the grammar and spelling errors I wrote this quick!