Student teachers are graded on theory and practical aspects of education. Some teachers excel in theory but are unable to be successful in the classrooms, while others are the opposite. Student teachers do a teaching practicum and are supervised by a qualified teacher who is often referred to as the Associate Teacher. Many student teachers report their student teaching was the most valuable experience in Teachers College. If you are considering being an Associate Teacher understand your role and the pros and cons of taking on this responsibility.
Roles of Associate Teacher
- demonstrate various teaching techniques and styles
- formal and informal discussions with the student teacher to identify their strengths and weaknesses
- assist the student teacher in unit and lesson planning
- demonstrate various behavior and classroom management practices
- model a successful teacher
- identify different learning styles of students
Pros of Accepting the Role of the Associate Teacher
- new ideas to incorporate into the classroom
- learn cutting edge teaching strategies
- extra set of hands in the classroom
- self-gratification you are teaching and inspiring a new generation of teachers
- team teaching
Cons of Accepting the Role of the Associate Teacher
- little training
- time
- recognition and support
- extra preparation and planning
- classroom disruption
- student teacher evaluations
- monetary pay
As a new teacher I am grateful for my two Associate Teachers and their guidance on how to be a successful teacher. Both Associate Teachers taught me some invaluable lessons as well; they presented strategies that I would not employ in my teaching practice. Associate teachers do not have all the answers but their willing spirit to teach a new generation of teachers is what makes them invaluable.
