Introducing Yourself

The first contact a student teacher has with her/his students often makes a lasting impression and sets the tone for the entire experience. Here are some ideas on how to make that first impression a positive one.

Be sure to smile.
Write your name on the board. This helps the students remember your name and gives them a chance to write it down.
Pronounce your name slowly and clearly. If your name is unusual or difficult to pronounce, you may want to talk about the origin of your name.
Talk about your teaching experience or your motivation for becoming a teacher. Be creative.
Communicate your expectations. You are there to teach, but you also are there to learn.
Let your students know what you expect of them. This can help motivate them to do good work.
Take a deep breath and go for it! You are about to embark on a wonderful adventure.

Here is one example of how to introduce yourself
as a student teacher:

Hello, my name is Chris O'Conner. I am a student teacher. This means that I have finished all of my college classes and I am almost ready to become a full-time teacher. I am here so that I can practice what I've learned in my classes. I also want to learn from you about what works and what doesn't.

I am a senior at the university and I've been a counselor at camp Whattablast for the past three summers. Last year, I was a peer tutor in French and I occasionally give swimming lessons.

Because I will be trying some new approaches, I will rely on your feedback to let me how they are working. I want you to feel comfortable letting me know that "today's class was really fun," or " that group project was a waste of time." Preferably, you would let me know these things by writing a note or talking to me before or after class. Your comments can help guide our classroom activities.

Finally, I know that I will be spending a lot of time creating lesson plans, grading papers, and generally preparing for each day. I promise to put forth my best effort so that we can all get something out of this. In return, I expect that you will all show me an honest effort and that you will each try to do your best work. Also, I want to thank Ms. Rivera for allowing me to teach in her classroom. Does anyone have a question?

This document was last updated 5/29/97 by Chandra Hawley.
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Introducing Yourself

Here is one example of how to introduce yourself as a student teacher:

Here is one example of how to introduce yourself
as a student teacher: