Carefully study and consider the suggestions and instructions, which are offered in this document. They are based on the observations and experiences of many professionals. The undertaking that you are beginning is without doubt the most important phase of your preparation as a teacher of agriculture.
First impressions are important. Be genuinely courteous, cooperative, and sincere in your dealings with students, cooperating teachers, administrators, other faculty members, school employees, parents, and community members. The ability to work well with other people and to maintain desirable relationships is one that every beginning teacher should cultivate. Appearance and conduct should be acceptable for professionals in the Agricultural Education profession.
Student teaching is an opportunity for you to learn. Carefully observe not only what is done, but also how it is done in the school to which you are assigned. Be discrete at all times about talking to friends and outsiders about what transpires in the department.
The coming and going of student teachers creates disruptions of the regular school program. At the same time, you are added personnel in the school and, as such, you should have additional ideas to present for consideration that can be of value to the educational program. Endeavor to make some permanent, tangible contributions to the department during the student teaching period. Try to leave at least one educational item (teaching aid, etc.) for the department.
You will find your cooperating teacher, the school administrator, and other local persons in the school/ community to be cooperative and helpful. It is your responsibility to contribute to the total program.
Administrative Relationships
- Check with your cooperating teacher(s) on the procedures for reporting to the school, housing, lesson assignments, dress code, etc. It may be that you should report to the teachers so they can introduce you to the administration.
- The administration expects you to become one of the teaching staff. Every teacher has certain obligations in the total program and you must be willing to do your share in this respect. At the same time, you are not assigned to the school to do “odd jobs” or be a floating substitute teacher, which are not required or expected of other teachers.
- Always remember the well-defined, but visible, channels. Think no more of bypassing your cooperating teacher than you would of going directly to the school board without first going through your administration. The Cooperating Teacher is your immediate supervisor.
Professional and Personal Procedures
- You probably will not find all situations as perfect as you think desirable-few of us do. This will call for discretion in everything you do and say.
- Do not become involved socially with your students – in person or online. Use discretion in social involvement with others.
- You should never criticize one student to another nor should you criticize your class, other student teachers, your cooperating teacher, your administrator, or your school to others. The only possible exception is in direct communication with your University Supervisor with the intent to improve the situation.
- Do not hesitate to ask for assistance from the teacher(s). If you do not know how to complete a particular job, be sure to say so. Do not put yourself in an embarrassing predicament by claiming to “know it all.”
- Do not be afraid to suggest new ideas, but strive to use tact when doing so. If the idea is not adopted or some idea is being used that may be contrary to your past experiences, ask why. Usually there is a very good reason.
- Do not wait to be told what to do. After general instructions have been given to you, or certain activities planned, proceed to get the job done. Use initiative but be sure to keep your cooperating teacher informed.
- Personal appearance is important. Be neat and clean. Dress for whatever the occasion requires. Your appearance should be such that would command the respect of students.
- Demonstrate your willingness to work. Enthusiasm is necessary prerequisite to becoming an effective teacher.
- Learn all you can during your student teaching. Get all the experience possible in all phases of the job—organization, classroom teaching, filed work, supervising agricultural experience programs, conducting adult and young farmer classes, and FFA activities. The more you experience during student teaching, the less you will face for the first time as a full-time teacher.
- Take criticism in the spirit in which it is offered. Suggestions will be offered for your professional improvement. Invite suggestions and profit from them. Make positive changes in your teaching as suggested by your supervising teacher.
Classroom, Laboratory, and Field Work
- First contacts are important. Your cooperating teacher will introduce you to each class. Be friendly and sincere, but maintain a professional relationship.
- Learn the names of students and as much about their agricultural experience programs or plans for a project and home conditions as soon as possible before starting your teaching.
- Prepare your lesson (teaching) plans carefully and have the plans checked over by the cooperating teacher(s), far enough in advance so you can make any recommended changes. This also applies to tests, field trips, committee meetings, audio-visual materials, etc.
- Maintain an orderly, business-like classroom atmosphere. You must maintain proper control of your classes. Secure the cooperation of your class but do not be too “easy” or overly friendly. As you gain experience, you can more easily direct and supervise classroom work which allows greater and more desirable student activity and freedom. Gain student respect for doing a good job without being overly concerned about them “liking you.”
- Endeavor to improve such things as your handwriting, board work, grammar, and spelling. You must set a good example for your students.
- Do not talk down to the students; or go above their heads. Take into consideration their age and experience. Check often to see that the whole class is following you. Study the work of the cooperating teacher(s); always trying to determine why they did what they did.
- Teaching in the laboratory also requires careful planning and organization. Have in mind your methods and approach. Secure and organize your material and equipment in advance of the beginning of the class period.
- On field trips, definitely plan what you want the students to observe or do and follow this up later in class by means of discussion, a quiz, further explanation, or other appropriate activities.
- Be prompt in meeting all your classes and appointments. It is better to arrive ahead of time than to rush into a room out of breath a split-second ahead of the bell. Be consistent in our methods and relationships. Develop patience and self-control.
- Demonstrate a professional attitude in all your contacts in the school and community.
General Instructions
- Student teachers in agricultural education are expected to devote their time to work and activities in the agriculture department during their student teaching period. “Moonlighting” employment is not allowed as it would detract from the potential benefits of the student teaching experience.
- Keep the required documents and submit them on time.
- Keep all required or desirable records (i.e., as mileage, meals, and hotel expenses).
- Whenever you leave the school for any reason, be sure that you have the consent of your cooperating teacher and the school administrator, if necessary.
- Put things back in their proper place when you are finished with them.
- Do not ransack department files and take some of everything. Ask the cooperating teacher to supply copies of the desired materials.
- Be sure that everything you do is done to the best of your ability.
- Set aside time at the end of each day for a conference with your cooperating teacher. Do not feel hurt if the cooperating teacher(s) does not have time to visit with you at times. Make a definite appointment at a later time if necessary.
- The local authorities have granted permission for you to observe and to do student teaching in their school. The continuance of this privilege to those who will follow you depends upon how well you do your work and the manner in which you conduct yourself.
- Develop an understanding of the ethics of the profession. As an example, you must recognize the confidential nature of personal data and treat it as such.
- Make arrangements in advance of arrival at the training center for room and board.
- Report absence, due to any reason, to the cooperating teacher(s) as soon as possible. Inform the university supervisor of any absence of this nature.
- Inform your cooperating teacher of your whereabouts if you leave the community over a weekend or holiday.
- Attend to all financial matters and any other obligations before leaving the community.
- Before leaving your school, be sure to express your appreciation to your cooperating teacher(s) and administrators. Follow this up with written expression of appreciation.
- Be prepared to spend the time necessary to participate in the activities expected of agricultural education teachers. You are expected to take an active role in evening and weekend activities. Remember, student teaching is an opportunity for you to experience the role and responsibility of teaching agricultural education. Plan to be involved in a variety of activities and budget your time and other resources in order to allow for your participation.
