Student teaching is the moment that many candidates have looked forward to experiencing since they stepped foot onto a college campus. It's the time to put the pedagogy into practice as you will begin to interact with students from vast backgrounds in varying settings. You get to experience the day-to-day life of the classroom as you work with the students, plan lessons, and experience the mentorship of an experienced educator. You are now a part of the students' world and inevitably their future. Many describe it as difficult, eye-opening, yet rewarding.
Program coordinators, field placement officials, district representatives, and principals all play a role in making sure you are provided with the best teachers to mentor you as you navigate the day-to-day life of a teacher. Through practicum and student teaching experiences, mentor teachers will model classroom management strategies, efficient planning models, various assessment methods and innovative instructional strategies. Although many candidates are nervous about these experiences, it is important to note that you will be gradually introduced to the classroom environment and gradually released.