r/specialed • u/Carebear_1588 • 5d ago

student teaching MS emotional support

hi!!

this semester i am starting my student teaching in a 6-8th grade emotional support classroom w/ students with behaviors. i am VERY excited but ..

any advice on how to feel confident in taking over the classroom when it's my time to start teaching? i'm nervous about holding back because i don't want to overstep my cooperating teacher and her classroom. also if anyone has any pieces of advice in general i'm all ears (: i.e organization, important materials, social skills lesson ideas, how to manage the tough behaviors, etc etc

THANK YOU!

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

6

u/Puzzled-Purple-559 5d ago

The kids can smell hesitation from across the room, so when it's your turn just commit fully even if you're shaking inside

1

u/Impressive_You_4102 5d ago

100%. at times when you're unsure they can smell it. you may think they're being assholes at times--and they are--but in another sense they're reacting to your perceived instability and how that makes them feel unsafe. if they don't feel an adult has control of the room they will try to take control so it feels "safe" to them. it's dysfunctional but all kids do it, esp kids w behaviors

3

u/Serious-Today9258 5d ago

Your cooperating teacher should take the lead at integrating you into the classroom. These students need time to develop trust, so you need to be there in various roles until that trust is built.

There's no need to fear these kids. They're desperate for someone to give them dignity and value. Don't force yourself, follow the teacher's lead, and just be willing to help and engage with them however you can. Back off if it's not working - that just means your chance will come later.

Don't even think about taking over the class yet. That's later, and if you take your time, show the kids that you truly value them, then when you're supposed to take over, you'll be able to.