Day one is always the more nerve racking; time to get to know a school full of teachers, and a class full of children. You will be given around 30 names of children. You will look for a certain characteristics of each child to try and remember their name (my tactic anyway!). Your first time in class is always brilliant, you're surrounded by non-judgemental children who all want to be your friend for the first few days. You're a new face! However, the staffroom (adult side of the placement) is a different story. Being placed in a school where the staffroom door is open, inviting and non threatening, in my opinion, is rare. On the many placements (university and voluntary placements) I have begun to learn to deal with the nature of the staff room and have learnt key etiquette to keep everyone happy!
- Always appreciate the support surrounding you - Remember, the school have agreed to take you on. Your teacher tutor has agreed to spend time coaching you through your placement. Showing appreciation is key. Small gestures, staying late after school to help out, doing extra curricular clubs supporting teachers, staying late for parents evenings, staying for staff meetings. These are all ways to show the school you are in that you're fully engaging with the challenge ahead and that you're serious about succeeding.
- Mix with other teachers, spend time in different classes and approach key leaders within school eg. SENCO, Subject Coordinators. - This is really important. In my last placement (my best by far) I spent the majority of time with my year four class, however, I also mixed and mingled throughout the school spending time in foundation to year six. You'll be amazed. Some teachers dont feel as confident having students in, however, many will be incredibly grateful for you coming in, even just for a lesson to sit with a child who might need extra support! Also, when carrying out a science assessment I was encouraged to approach the science coordinator. At first, this was daunting. What was I asking her? Would she be friendly? I dont even know her!!? However, again, she was really impressed to see me asking for advice and nine times out of ten, teachers will love to give helpful advice and tips! Dont be shy!
- Respect - This is probably my KEY piece of advice. Remember, you are different. Some children might not feel as confident appraoching you about issues. My last placement was 6 weeks long. During this time, I pretty much became my class's full time teacher, however I believed it to be KEY that I assured children that their usual teacher was still around and if they had any issues. Also remember that you will not be aware of every policy, procedure or plan at the school. Sometimes the children might remind you that its assembly time!! Respect this, they're usually just being helpful!
Are you a trainee? How do you find placements?! Any good/bad experiences?
Are you currently a teacher? How do you feel about having student teachers coming in to your class?
Let me know! x
