Question for Anyone Who Has Ever Been a Student Teacher?

I did my student teaching at an elementary school. The hardest parts for me were having to write out every single lesson that I taught, taking over someone else's classroom and constantly being evaluated. When I was teaching at my job, it was a lot better. However, teaching is a really hard job! Being a teacher, you have a lot more flexibility with how you do things, so you can find a balance that works for you. It will get better! Good luck!!

Both teaching and student teaching are difficult, but in different ways. Student teaching is overwhelming because everything is so new. That will go away after the first year or two teaching. Teaching does add many stresses that student teaching cannot prepare you for. No matter how much responsibility is given to the student teacher, it is never truly the entire work load. So, it will be an adjustment when he gets his own classroom. But, over time the job gets easier as he gets better at it. I don't think it is ever truly easy, though.

Student teaching and the first year is the worst. It gets much easier after the second year as you have the lesson plans pretty well worked out.

Student teaching was hard the whole year. But at least I had the supervising teacher there to help when I got stuck or didn't know what to do (both for planning/grading and for management).

The first year of teaching is, in many ways, harder than student teaching. You don't have someone right there. But most districts have mentor programs so that he will have someone to go to with questions and for help. On the plus side, he can do things his way more than if a supervising teacher is always there.

We need good teachers, especially those who have the management down. Encourage him to stick with it, in a few years he'll be glad he did.

I have been teaching for about 15 years, have been a student teacher, and have been a mentor teacher to student teachers. I have taught 8th through 12th grades Spanish, Religion (Catholic), Sex Ed., and English. Currently I teach AP Language (11th) and British Literature (12th). I did not find student teaching to be terribly difficult, but I had an excellent mentor teacher. Typically the first year teaching is pretty overwhelming, but I did not have that experience either. I taught in a small Catholic school with a very supportive team of teachers. I taught there for three years and it was pretty smooth sailing.

Since then I have been teaching at an extremely large urban high school. I currently have 180 students. Most years are wonderful and I love my job, but every now and then I have a pretty rotten year. Most teachers will tell you the same thing. It seems to cycle. Now and then you are due for a rough year. This is my year. It's tough. I love my kids, but I have too many of them. Maybe your husband happened to end up student teaching on a tough year.

Things that help me survive with so many students are that I am extremely organized and I am very good at time management. If your husband can master those skills it will make his life much easier. A sense of humor helps, too! :)

Good luck to your husband. We need good teachers, and it can be a wonderful profession.

I have not read all your responses... so pardon any repeats.

Student teaching & your first several years of teaching are hard. Period. End of story. I was single with no kids in those years & it was very demanding.

However, as each passed, I felt more comfortable with my role & had an idea of what the heck I was doing. I could re-use lesson plans & units & not have to spend so much time planning.

What has not changed is the grading, parent contact, & student issues. Those have increased. As the federal government pushes Race to the Top, a teacher's job will be pushed to the limit. There will be more emphasis on RTI and testing and eventually, merit pay.

This all being said... there is no job better than a teacher. I'm in my fourteenth year and still am proud and honored to be a teacher. It sounds like your husband is a born teacher, and I'll bet, he'll be a fantastic one.

Your husband is inventing the wheel and that is an exhausting task! I'm glad you're experiencing this - isn't it funny how everyone says teaching is soooooo easy and a piece of cake and to quit complaining yet they've never experienced the task?

When I did my student teaching I was exhausted. It was a lot of work, mostly because everything was new to me. Since I did this sort of thing before I did not have any routines or patterns - I was having to create all of them. Not only did I have to plan lessons, I also had to research content to be sure I was current. I had to learn classroom management totally on the fly from kids who had 8-12 years experience in trying to side-step their teacher's authority (and since I was new and naive, it wasn't difficult for them to do lol!).

The first year or two of 'real teaching' is the hardest but after that he'll settle into a rhythm or a routine. Classroom management will become easier as he learns which method work best for him - it becomes something that is second-nature as opposed to always having to think and strategize and guess which way works best. He'll figure out ways to set up his and maintain his gradebook, collect/grade homework and other assessments, get planning done but for now, like I said, he is 're-inventing the wheel'.

I'm a teacher with 15 years of experience. At this point I feel like I'm on auto-pilot with the content, management/discipline, I'm pretty comfortable with the day-to-day routines of teaching. That's not to say that everything is 'easy', but I definitely have more confidence in my craft and can easily anticipate all the variables that are thrown my way.

Hang in there - it does get easier! But, be prepared for the first year of teaching on his own to be really tough and challenging. Fortunately pretty soon he'll be in the swing of things and confident/comfortable.

Oh and, when he has his first teaching job he should ABSOLUTELY sure to hook up with a good mentor to help him navigate his first year or two. It'll make all the difference in the world!

Teaching is a lot of work! I did my student teaching in 3rd grade and had a wonderful experience. My only responsibility at the time was school (not married, no kids, etc). My first teaching job was in 6th grade (elementary school--all subjects). I spent an enormous amount of time on planning and grading. Partially because I was a new teacher and had a lot to "learn" and partially because I do everything 110%. My second year was a little easier. I was able to use a lot of the same plans and ideas. Once my oldest was born I became a SAHM, so I never had to balance work and family. Right now I could not image having to teach and raise 3 kids. I would spend about 2 hours a night doing grading and planning. I know that it would get easier with each year (this would have been my 11th year teaching if I kept going). I really look forward to going back. It's a lot of work, so you definitely have to love it! Hang in there!!

Student teaching is hard. First year teaching is impossible. Second year teaching is hard. Third year teaching is the year you realize that you can be a teacher and have a life.

So yes, I've done it and survived. This is my 10th year teaching, and I have a student teacher myself. I see her already starting to freak out about how to do it all. Tell your husband to remember he only needs to be a 1/2 step ahead of the kids. Grading doesn't have to be done for the next class, or even the class after that. But I won't lie - those first couple of years are _tough_. But then it gets much better.

Good luck.

The grading will always be there, no question, although it will go more quickly once he really gets the hang of it. Just make sure that he is using a very detailed, straight-forward rubric so that he can just go through projects and essays and tick off what was accomplished and what was not.

Insofar as lesson planning, that will absolutely get easier. Once he has his own classroom, he will have a cache of stuff already generated that he can go back to each year. He'll tweak it, add to it, and re-arrange it, but the lessons will already be there. Material and lesson generation is definitely a big part of one's time in the first year or so, but then that part really does die down after a while.

My husband and I are both teachers, and our lives don't revolve around school (well, mine doesn't. He seems to keep getting himself talked into running extracurriculars. And his kids' parents are nuts - will e-mail 20 times per night! But that's beside the point...) I completely recall being far more stressed out student teaching and coping with my first year or so than running my classroom now. Having autonomy also reduces that feeling of having one's shoulder looked over by one's co-op :-)

Good luck to him! (From one social studies teacher to another!)

I think student teaching is pretty accurate. I DO think you put more pressure on yourself as a student teacher though b/c you're out to impress and get a good grade (as you should be), so when you are on your own there is a bit less stress in that arena. Plus you're doing your own work, not someone else's so that helps too. But, on the flip side, you are now responsible for all that other stuff you weren't really responsible for before...like grades, parents, etc. I think your stresses shift but don't necessarily lessen. Teaching can be rewarding and fun, but it is a lot of work. He will work long hours and be grossly underpaid! ;) It is absolutely survivable, though! It will be a lot easier when he gets into his own groove! Hang in there!

Let me explain who I am before I answer your question. I hold a California Teaching Credential, authorization to teach art K- 12 and have been trained in Reading Recovery. I have taught for eleven years, mostly in First grade but also have experience in Third and Kindergarten. I have also been chosen as a Master Teacher in Language Arts in three districts and have had a student teacher in my room. I love teaching and it is what I do best.

I am currently a Stay at home mom. I will probably return to the classroom because of my experience and expertise I am hired easily. But, do I want to return? It's a difficult and demanding job. It is only for those who can think quickly on their feet and are willing to change and grow. I am not sure that it will work with my other demanding 'job', a mother of three children.

Student teaching is difficult because it is like learning to ride a bike. You are learning to coordinate all of your muscles and balance to direct the bike to go the way you desire. Eventually, it does get easier because some of the tasks become rote.

'Regular' teaching is certainly not easy either. What makes this a challenge is vastly different from student teaching. Your husband will have very strong opinions about what are best teaching techniques. These opinions will be made because of his own childrens' experiences or training he has been through. Some years, these skills will be considered in favor and other years, he will be asked to not use them, even when he knows certain students need them.

There will be never enough resources either in the form of new textbooks, desk, paper, or patience. This will challenge him more than you can imagine because it will seem ridiculous that though we live in the United States we can't provide the very basic resources for teachers to use. This fact will change dramatically depending on where he is hired. The disparity between the wealthy and the poor will never be so highlighted. He will want to work in a wealthy district despite the overbearing parents. And he will want to work there for exactly that reason. Those overbearing parents will provide the resources for their teachers and will, for the most part, send children who are ready to learn and have a well rounded background.

So yes, he will survive through his student teaching but I am not going to lie to you, the statistics are pretty grim for him making it past five years as a teacher. I think it is as high as 1 in five give up before that fifth year. What makes the difference? A true love or calling to teach despite the hardships. Great mentors that support him and can lend him help when he needs it. A district that doesn't change their programs and textbooks so often that your head spins.

I wish him good luck. I don't mean to sound so disspirited. It is a callling; and it is as hard as a tech job without the pay.

Student teaching is hard and very time consuming. I wish I could tell you it gets easier, but my first 2 years of teaching were even harder. You are learning to do so many things and when you are done student teaching and have your own classroom there are more pressures added. It is difficult the first few years b/c everything is new. The curriculum requires more time for lesson planning, grading, meetings, the politics of the schools, everything takes some adjusting. After a few years you wil have been through the curriculum a few times and know what worked and what did not. You will have a handle on the classroom managemen, gradebook system, parent communications, meetings, and all the balancing it takes to teach. It is a very hard, but rewarding job. I was just thankful my husband was in law school during my first 3 years of teaching so we were equally busy and understanding. We also did not have to balance kids in the mix. Hang in there it does get easier and better over time.

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Student teaching and teaching for the first few years are VERY much the same because there is so much unknown, so much to do and so much to figure out. Not saying this to be rude, but we were told during my internship (student teaching) that if we couldn't handle it, we wouldn't be able to handle our first few years and would most likely leave the profession. Teaching is not an easy job....Even those who have worked for many years in teaching will tell you that every year there is something (usually several things, lol) new to learn, do, or teach. Education changes constantly and there is a lot of extra stuff to do that many student teachers do not have to do or get to experience (legal paperwork like writing IEPs, certain meetings, workshops, duties, etc.). I'm not trying to discourage your husband, but I do want him to know that student teaching is not as hectic as it can really be. It will get a little easier as time goes by because you start to form a balance and learn to manage your time a little better, but it is NEVER easy and if you want a 9-5 job, teaching is not it.......I spend many hours at home working on things for school and my students rarely leave my mind. It's a job that tugs on all aspects of your life and it is very easy to get burnt out doing it. 3 weeks is not long enough to get a good idea of whether or not he can really do this, so I would give him some more time to figure it out, but if he decides this is not what he wants to do, he won't be the first or last......Just tell him to hang in there for a little longer and give it a real go. :)

Hello! I taught for about 5 years (I got my first job during the second semester) before I decided to stay at home with my boys. Here is a little about my experience~student teaching was challenging, but it was by far not as demanding as the first year of teaching. I had an extremely helpful mentor during my student teaching assignment and that made my experience much easier. That said, I am surprised at all the demands placed on your husband only 3 weeks into his assignment.

First year teaching is very, very difficult. You are on your own and 100% accountable. But once you get the hang of things and figure out what works for you, things get much easier. Lesson planning and paper grading never goes away, so keeping on top of it is crucial. I think the best advice I got when I started teaching was to do what works best for me.....not what the text books tell you or what someone else may tell you.....

Jane M. had it right-by your 3rd year, you are golden. You have things down pact and can actually have a life outside of teaching. It sounds as if your husband is doing a wonderful job!

Hi Jane,

I'm in my seventh year of teaching (middle school math), and yes, that student teaching can be overwhelming... but I don't want to lie to you, the lesson planning and grading never go away.

The thing about student teaching, though, is that EVERYTHING is new and you aren't really in a space that is your own.

The first year of teaching, will likely feel a lot like this year (some things will be easier, some will be harder), but as he gains experience, a lot of the stuff that takes tons of time and energy outside of the school day will kind of fall away has he gets the hang of it.

I almost never do work at home unless I just WANT to think about a unit on a weekend. I typically stay on campus for an hour and a half after dismissal, and between that time and my prep period, I'm able to get it all done every day... but again, I've been teaching a while, so most of that is grading and responding to student work, and only about a half hour spent on planning.

Good luck to him. It's a fantastic career if its the right fit.

Student teaching was difficult for sure and the classroom managment part will get easier too b/c it will be HIS system, not one he stepped into. BUT, having said that, the first time he teaches any class it is tough. I am a 17 year teacher but am teaching world history for the first time and it is killing me! Having said that, he needs to arrange his school day (even during classtime) to allow for work time. Not all time with the class has to be teacher centered. If he can figure out about 10-15 minutes per class to grade, organize, plan or enter grades it will decrease his "crazyness" by quite a bit. Teaching is the best profession in the world, but it comes with a price. :)

I am not a classroom teacher, but I have worked in schools for 20 years. The reality is, you don't teach for the pay (ha) or the easy hours (haha). Most teachers I know work 9-12 hour days, 6 days per week, and attend classes and plan over summer. It's a hard job with never enough resources. You do it because you love to teach and can't imagine anything else. Good luck to you both.

you've already gotten many great answers, but i just thought i'd add my experience. i was a hs biology and algebra teacher before i had kids. i also coached volleyball softball and track so i spent many long hours at school:) to answer your questions i would say student teaching is definitely not harder than regular teaching, but it is difficult and overwhelming. it really does get better (or no one would teach:) a few things that helped me especially because i moved around a bit so each new school was like starting over. he should really try to keep and organize any resources given to him by his mentor. make copies of things his mentor uses and ask lots of questions. the worst part of teaching for me was the constant planning and trying to write notes do worksheets plan labs make tests and stuff (and the trial and error of some things not working ) it really helped to talk to the head of my dept. and ask for help tips anything they think might give you a leg up. also take advantage of the summer or breaks to get to know the material he's teaching and organize how he might teach it most effectively. it really does get better especially after a year or 2 when he's more comfortable with the material, has tests and quizzes made, and has a good system of how he wants his classes to run. most importantly what a great opportunity to "mold" the future of our country. i certainly miss teaching and the special relationships i had with so many fine teens and their parents. i haven't taught in almost 7 years, but i have students from all over the country "friend" me on facebook and want to know how i'm doing as a mom:) it really makes me feel like i made a difference in some of their lives and that's what it is really all about. sorry for such a long response, but i wish you and your husband the best of luck on this new and exciting career!

As a former second grade teacher I can say it depends...

Maybe it was the school I worked at or the changing times, but it felt like every year I was reinventing the wheel because change happened so often. Theoretically it may be easier for your DH just because he is going for secondary ed where you could establish lesson plans and keep them and use them again the next year! Student teaching also means all the work for college too which makes it tough.

After six year I resigned to start a family, start a family daycare and I teach classes to adults on occasion on child development--much more fulfilling and less stressful!

I found student teaching pretty easy. You aren't responsible for nearly as much as the teacher. Once you start teaching, the pressure really begins to mount. I have done long term subbing (6 weeks to 21 week assignments) and there is a lot of pressure, but still nothing compared to being a full time teacher. Sorry to say, it will not get easier. There is no real accountability, therefore it is easier, until you ARE the teacher.

I teach elementary school, so it might be different for me. Student teaching wasn't all that bad--I wasn't soley responsible for everything. However, my first year was absolutely exhausting--new grade level (different from what I student taught), ALL the planning, grading, report cards, discipline (and I had a nightmare of a class my first year!), communicating with parents, etc. I think it can definitely take a year or two to figure out your routine and plan your time so it is not so overwhelming. Again, elementary school might be different that high school in the that respect, but with more experience, it does get easier. Best of luck to him!

Just thought I'd add my take on things. Student teaching for me was MUCH MUCH harder than actually teaching (well it will be for him if he has classroom management down). The lesson planning part is much easier when you have your own classroom. Then you have an idea of what you are doing and when you are lesson planning when student teaching you have to be incredibly detailed in your plan. Not so much when you are in your own classroom. I will add one thing. Classroom management will be different when you have your own classroom. When you are a new teacher students try to push your buttons a lot more than when you are student teaching and the classroom teacher has already set up the expectations for the classroom. I taught Family And Consumer Science (formerly Home Ec) in the junior high for 3 yrs before I had kids and now I substitute. Trust me when I say they definitely push your buttons more in your own classroom when you have to deal with the same kids day in and day out. But grading will be about the same (as long as you are grading things you assigned so you know your own expectations for the assignments). Good luck and it's definitely worth it in the end (well except for the low pay part).

Depending on the school he gets a job with YES student teaching is WAY more stressful than actually teaching. Especially in the Lesson Planning department. About 98% of schools use those little teacher books where it takes at the most 5 minutes to fill out the lessons for the week. However, getting the experience of writing lessons the long way will make him a better teacher because he will know, going into teaching, how to structure his lesson while he is teaching it.