Student teaching can be a very stressful time. There is so much to learn and do. Not only will you finally be teaching real students, but you will have a supervising teacher observing your every move and critiquing you along the way. One of the things that student teachers can do to help ensure success is learn as much as possible about the procedures of their assigned school and classroom environment. Use the following checklist as a guide to help you familiarize yourself with the way things work at your practicum school.

1. Read Through the Teacher Handbook

Most schools have a 'teacher handbook' that provides guidance to the teachers at the school. By reading through this, you will not only familiarize yourself with how things work at that particular school but also what teaching will be like in your future assignment.

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2. Learn the Schoolwide Discipline Plan

Check if your school has a discipline plan that you are to follow. For example, they might have you assign students to after school detention for tardies, etc. If the school does not have one, then find out your supervising teacher's classroom rules and discipline plan and continue to implement it.

3. Learn How Your Supervising Teacher Records Data for Students

You will need to record tardies, absences, grades, late work, etc. for your supervising teacher. You should continue to use whatever system they have in place. As you use this, you should determine if you like their system or if there are changes you would make for your own classroom.

4. Familiarize Yourself With the School's Media Equipment

First, you need to figure out how to use any media equipment that is in the teacher's room. For example, if they have an overhead projector or a computer projection screen you will need to know how to use these before you are in front of the class. Further, if there is a lesson that includes audio/visual equipment or other media equipment, you will need to learn how to check these out and use these.

5. Learn How to Make Copies and Access the Internet

One of the most important things you will need to learn is how to make copies at your school. Paper and toner is expensive so most schools keep track of copies and charge the department in some way or another. In some schools, you will be making the copies yourself. In others, you have to turn your master in to the office in advance and the staff will make the copies for you. Obviously, this requires advanced planning. Also, make sure that you know how to access the internet if you will need to use this for your class.

6. Learn How Your Supervising Teacher Creates Their Lesson Plans

Even though you will be writing lessons while you are student teaching, you should look at your supervising teacher's lessons for a number of reasons. First, you will want to see what they have already covered so that you know if there is any prerequisite knowledge that the students need to have for your lessons. Second, you can gain insight from their lessons and decide if there are elements you wish to incorporate in your own lesson plans.

7. Read Through Any IEPs for Students in Your Class

If you have any students in the class that you are teaching who have IEPs, you will need to read through these to make sure that you are meeting their needs. For example, it is important to know if you have a student who requires extra time or assistance during tests. You are responsible for providing the required services to the student while you are teaching in the class.

8. Discuss Individual Student Needs With Your Supervising Teacher

Make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your supervising teacher at all times. Find out before you begin if there are any student concerns of which you should be aware. If you have questions about individual students, talk to your supervising teacher about this. They will probably be able to help you better understand how to deal with individual students.