Student teaching experience:

M y student teaching experience has been

nothing short of an educational adventure. Student

teaching has helped me prepare in many ways for

Grace Sierra Teachers College, Columbia

Major: TESOL Began Student Teaching: Fall 2010

Student Teaching Site:

James M. Kieran, IS 123, The Bronx

Featured Student Teacher: Grace Sierra

G reetings student teachers! Welcome to the

first edition of our Student Teacher newsletter.

The New York City Department of Education’s

Office of Teacher Recruitment and Quality works

collaboratively with local colleges and universities

as well as with New York City public schools to

provide aspiring teachers with a dynamic field

placement. The Office of Teacher Recruitment

and Quality does not place student teachers in

New York City public schools on the university’s

behalf. Instead, we provide support to our student

teachers and college/university representatives. In

our first edition, we are incredibly excited to

introduce to you Grace Sierra, our featured student

teacher for the month of April; share with you 5

things student teachers must know when entering

into the classroom for the first time; our list of

frequently asked questions pertaining to the student

teacher registration and fingerprinting processes as

well as important dates. I hope that you will enjoy

reading our newsletter as well as find it incredibly

resourceful!

Sincerely,

Joy Williams

Student Teacher Coordinator

Welcome Student Teachers!

Inside This Issue:

Introduction 1

Featured Student Teacher 1

5 Things Student Teachers

Must Know 2

Frequently Asked

Questions 2

Important Dates 2

CONTACT

Joy Williams

Student Teacher Coordinator

Phone: 718-935-2516

Fax: 718-935-3532

Email:

studentteachercoordinator@

schools.nyc.gov

Student Teacher Newsletter Volume 1 April 2011

my future as a teacher to the benefit of my future

students. It has also helped me grow as an

individual and it has helped me discover my

teaching personality. At times it has tested my

beliefs to the very core and has taught me some

valuable lessons. Most importantly it has enriched

me by affording me the opportunity to work and

build relationships with great colleagues and

students that help make everyday a unique

experience at my placement. There definitely is a

huge learning curve, but as long as one is

adaptable and willing to learn the possibilities are

truly endless.

Advice to new student teachers:

I would advise future student teachers to be very

open-minded and embrace everything with a

positive attitude as challenging as the situation

may be. Time management skills and being

organized are of the essence and it will save you a

lot of grief. Getting to know students as

individuals and learners will really help set the

tone and shape the quality of the classroom

community one builds. Lastly, never

underestimate that the power of good health and

high energy is needed to face the uncertainties and

thrills everyday can bring.

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Teacher Recruitment and Quality

quick, helpful, and thoughtful. Chances are

that if you respect your students, they will

respect you.

4. Don’t isolate yourself. New teachers are

often overwhelmed with the demands of their

first teaching job, fear of failure, and

uncertainty about the best course of action.

Take the initiative to develop personal and

professional relationships in your school. If

possible, establish a mentor relationship with

an experienced teacher. A mentor relationship

encourages you to cooperatively seek

solutions, increases your awareness of

alternatives, provides a sounding board to vent

frustrations, and allows you to learn from the

experiences of a colleague.

5. Teaching is hard work. It is much more

work than you ever thought possible. It is

essential that you are organized and use your

time efficiently. Flexibility in time

management is also essential. Successful

teachers are willing to stop and re-teach if

necessary or to modify lesson plans if it

becomes clear that more or less time is

required. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask for

suggestions and opinions. Talk to colleagues.

Most teachers are flattered that you asked.

Source– The Top 10 Things New Teachers

Should know by Catherine Wilcoxson, Ph.D.

5 Things Student Teachers Must Know

A s student teachers begin their first in classroom teaching experience they encounter mixed emotions and thoughts. Don’t worry so much about doing the right thing. Can I fly on my own? Will the students like me? Will I be able to main-tain discipline? Here is our list of 5 things new student teachers should know when beginning

their experience:

1. There is no one right way. You must

determine what works best with your

personality, your students, and school

policies. It will help if you have read your

school’s student handbook. The guidelines

in the handbook will help you avoid some

of the more obvious pitfalls and give you

some incredible insight into the culture of

your new school.

2. Relax. Get to know your students. Listen,

empathize, and above all be patient. Your

students are great people. Let them know

that you care about them and their

education. Also let the students know that

you are not infallible; be comfortable

enough with yourself that you

can admit when you do not

know an answer and that you

are willing to learn with your

students. Establish that “sense

of presence” that conveys to

students and anyone observing

the classroom that you are

confident, capable, organized,

prepared, responsive to

students’ needs, and able to

make the class engaging for all

students. Remember, stop

worrying about yourself and

what you are doing. Think

about your students and enjoy

working with them.

3. Respect your students. Treat your

students as intelligent humans beings. Avoid

categorizing them as lazy, bright, unorganized,

etc. Rather, look for each student’s unique

qualities. Do not allow put-downs or sarcasm

in your classroom. Show by example that

every comment is valued and must be

constructive or helpful to others. Students can

be taught responsibility for their own actions

by following your example. This means you

should always be prepared, return papers

promptly, and provide feedback which is

Save The Date

its designation. You should only register if

you are in a New York City public school.

If you inadvertently registered, notify your

college and they in turn will notify the

Office of Student Teaching.

4. I am an international teacher, what

do I have to do?

Follow the directions indicated on the

self-registration site as they pertain di-

rectly to international students.

5. Do I need to be finger printed if I am a stu-dent teacher? Yes, it is

a requirement.

6. I was fingerprinted for New York State, but I am told my prints are not in the New York

City system. Why?

Although we have reciprocity between

New York City and New York State, you

must fill out the appropriate OSPRA form

to have your finger prints released. You

may find the OSPRA forms at http://

schools.nyc.gov/Offices/DHR/DHRForms/

default.htm under the Pre-Employment

Background Checks column.

7. I am an out-of-state student and my college/university has made arrangements for me to complete

my student teaching experi-ence at a New York City public school. What are my next

steps?

Please contact the Student Teaching

Office at studentteachercoordina-

tor@schools.nyc.gov for specific

instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I register to become a student teacher? Your college must

submit your name to NYC Department of

Education, Student Teaching Office.

Your college will then send you the instructions for self registration.

2. I am having technical difficulties,

what do I do?

Please contact “Tech Support” Phone:

(877-Do Teach (368-3224) E-Mail:

nycsport@teacherssupportnetwork.com

3. I tried to update my information, but

I couldn’t find my school. Why?

Only New York City public schools are

listed in the drop down menus for each

borough. It is possible your school is

located in New York City however, it

could be a charter school or private school.

Check with your placement school about

Page 2 Student Teacher Newsletter

All student teachers who will be certified by September 1, 2011 must complete and submit an online teacher application in order to be considered

for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. The date for final consideration for the New Teacher Finder is Thursday, June 30, 2011.