Preservice teachers embark on a practicum journey filled with excitement, challenges, and inspiration. In this role, you wear multiple hats: learner, teacher/facilitator, reflector, investigator, and professional.
Being provided professional experience is a fantastic opportunity to develop your craft and skills as an educator outside the lecture theatre. Once you have finished your study, it is rare for teachers to have the chance to experience a wide range of classrooms with different setups and routines, along with alternative approaches to teaching. This is what makes a practicum experience so special. As preservice teachers, you will get to see education from many different perspectives which will help you grow professionally. Use this time to learn as much as you can!
Being organised is one of the key skills you need to be a successful teacher. We have put together a few tips here that will help you get organised before your prac begins.
12 Tips for Preservice Teachers Going on Prac:
1. Graduate Teacher Standards
Get familiar with the Graduate teacher Standards (Aussie teachers). Use these as your guide for what you need to be learning and achieving while on prac.
2. Location Prep
Research the school address and where you will be able to park or how to travel there by public transport.
3. Mentor Meeting
Book a meeting with your mentor teacher to discuss your class, schedule and requirements while on prac.
4. Prac Planner
Create a ‘prac planner’ or folder that you can begin to file and store all the relevant information for your prac (including lesson plans, resources, timetables, notes, feedback forms etc.)
5. Working with Children Check
Make sure you have completed your Working with Children Check (WWCC).
6. Prep Pack
Collect your handbook and any relevant information for your mentor teacher from your university, so it is ready to go on the first day.
7. Prac Etiquette
Be clear of what is expected of you while you’re on prac – remember you must be a professional at all times.
8. Supervisor Connection
Make contact with your university supervisor and introduce yourself, set up possible times for a school visit or observation.
9. Personal Goals
Set some personal goals for your prac. It is an important and worthwhile learning experience, setting goals will help you get the most out of it
10. Build Relationships
Take the time to connect with students, staff, and your mentor teacher. Building rapport can enhance your teaching experience and support your professional growth.
11. Inspiration Archive
Collect things along the way and start a ‘teaching inspo’ file. Ideas, photos (make sure you get permission first), worksheets etc can assist you in assignments and lesson planning in the future.
12. Joyful Teaching
Above all, have fun! Teaching is a wonderful job and it is important that you find the joy in the experience.
Want more help to impress your mentor teacher and have an awesome prac experience? Check out our Practicum Survival Guide. It includes a range of helpful forms and checklists, as well as loads of tips we have learned over the years teaching and supervising preservice teachers! It will help you with everything you need to know for a successful practicum.
❤️ What Teachers are saying about this guide: ❤️
Perfect for my final year placement!’ Samantha S
‘Could not rave about this anymore! I absolutely love the attention to detail – you guys have thought of everything’ Caitlin G
‘Amazing! I wish i found this earlier and not just before my final prac. It would’ve made keeping reflections and work i had done in the past a lot easier.’
Hollee S
‘A fantastic planner that has everything needed for prac. Love it!’ Emma M
‘This resource has been super helpful for getting my thoughts in order and making sure I haven’t forgotten anything!’ Accidentally Learning
‘This was so helpful to my placement. I love it.’ Lisa L
What to read next…
Why use Exit Tickets in the Classroom?
Kindness in the Classroom – Ideas and Strategies
How to Deal with Teacher Overwhelm
