Student Teacher Onboarding Checklist

Student Teacher Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Student Teacher starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Student Teacher, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Student Teacher onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Student Teacher Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The student teacher attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the school’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the school’s administration or human resources department.

2. Introduction to the School Staff: The student teacher is introduced to the school staff, including administrators, teachers, and support staff. This task is usually performed by the school principal or a designated mentor teacher.

3. Classroom Observation: The student teacher observes experienced teachers in various classrooms to gain insights into different teaching styles, classroom management techniques, and instructional strategies. This task is typically coordinated by the mentor teacher or the school’s instructional coach.

4. Curriculum Familiarization: The student teacher reviews the school’s curriculum documents, textbooks, and other instructional materials to understand the scope and sequence of the subjects they will be teaching. This task is usually performed independently by the student teacher, with guidance from the mentor teacher.

5. Lesson Planning: The student teacher collaborates with the mentor teacher to plan lessons aligned with the curriculum and the needs of the students. This task is typically performed jointly by the student teacher and the mentor teacher.

6. Classroom Management Training: The student teacher receives training on effective classroom management strategies, including behavior management techniques, establishing routines, and creating a positive learning environment. This task is usually conducted by the mentor teacher or the school’s instructional coach.

7. Co-teaching: The student teacher gradually takes on teaching responsibilities under the guidance and supervision of the mentor teacher. This task involves co-teaching lessons, leading small group instruction, and providing individualized support to students. The mentor teacher plays a crucial role in facilitating this process.

8. Assessment and Grading: The student teacher learns about the school’s assessment policies, grading criteria, and reporting systems. They practice assessing student work, providing feedback, and assigning grades under the mentor teacher’s guidance.

9. Parent Communication: The student teacher learns how to effectively communicate with parents or guardians, including attending parent-teacher conferences, responding to emails or phone calls, and providing updates on student progress. The mentor teacher may provide guidance and support in this area.

10. Professional Development: The student teacher participates in professional development opportunities offered by the school or district, such as workshops, seminars, or conferences. They may also engage in self-directed professional learning to enhance their teaching skills and knowledge.

11. Reflective Practice: The student teacher engages in regular reflection on their teaching practice, seeking feedback from the mentor teacher and reflecting on their own strengths and areas for growth. This task is typically performed independently by the student teacher, with support from the mentor teacher.

12. Gradual Release of Responsibility: As the student teacher gains confidence and competence, they gradually assume more teaching responsibilities, with the mentor teacher gradually stepping back and providing less direct support. This process allows the student teacher to develop their own teaching style and become more independent in the classroom.

13. Evaluation and Feedback: The student teacher undergoes formal evaluations by the mentor teacher and/or school administrators to assess their progress and provide constructive feedback. This task is typically performed by the mentor teacher and school administrators.

14. Professional Networking: The student teacher is encouraged to network with other educators, join professional organizations, and participate in online communities to expand their professional connections and stay updated on current educational trends and practices. This task is performed independently by the student teacher, with guidance from the mentor teacher.

15. Transition Planning: Towards the end of the student teaching experience, the student teacher collaborates with the mentor teacher and school administrators to plan for a smooth transition, including finalizing grades, completing necessary paperwork, and preparing for the next steps in their teaching career. This task is typically performed jointly by the student teacher, mentor teacher, and school administrators

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Student Teacher checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Student Teacher up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.