April+22

Intern Panel
We were lucky to get wisdom from five interns who are on the other end of the internship year. Thanks Lisa, Steve, Amanda, Angela, and Mary!

If you took notes, please post them on this page!

Intern Panel Notes - user:ZirollerCoaster
 * Get to know culture of school and students, may need to find out role models, etc.
 * You are a guest in the teacher’s class no matter how long you stay there. Let them know that they are still in charge.
 * Ask teacher before doing something with the class.
 * Don’t correct mentor teacher.
 * Set aside time at least once a week with mentor teacher to go over lessons, activities, etc.
 * Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
 * Teacher may not always be there as a resource. Use other interns/mentor teachers and the Wiki for resources.
 * Around January/February, still express to students that they can ask mentor teachers for help.
 * Establish expectations from day one so you know what should go on.
 * Ask reasons behind mentor teachers’ actions and philosophies.
 * Be able to defend your philosophy but take constructive criticism well.
 * Personality differences between mentor teacher and intern may cause problems.
 * Some mentor teachers may be ready to give constructive criticism and some may not.
 * You can’t please everyone, but find a comfortable middle when it comes to criticism. Push but be careful with techniques.
 * Have an accountability buddy to call/talk to and have cell phone on in school.
 * Let loved ones know that you will be consumed by your internship year and that you will not be able to be around a lot.
 * Don’t be afraid to ask students for feedback (what was your favorite/least favorite activity, are we going too fast, etc)
 * Let students know that they need to contribute to class and their own learning.
 * Can let students know your age and name, but make joke of it and restrict.
 * Extra fees: Parking = $10, Teacher Certificate = $175, CPR = $75, Gas = $30, Lesson materials: ?? (go to Costco), MiWLA = $15, Resumé = $50 (OfficeMax), Teacher clothes = ?? (invest in a lot of different clothes)
 * Join Alumni Association, 50% off of parking, etc
 * Don’t try to work during Lead Teach
 * Try to get a tutoring job, can set hours and is tax free. Network in and out of school in order to do this.
 * It is REALLY difficult to not switch to English and stay in the target language. (Point to that one kid and have them explain in English)
 * Know the vocabulary (commands, things in classroom) and brush up on the vocabulary. Tell students to look it up in dictionary. Tell them you are a lifelong learner and ask if they know every word in English.
 * Tell them not to use online translators and say you WILL know if they use it. They can use wordreference.com and just put in one word.
 * Use all types of structures, but slow down the speech because going fast will turn kids off.
 * Some mentor teachers may teach in English and others in the target language, but generally is acceptable to try to incorporate TL. Will be harder depending on mentor teacher’s philosophy. Good starting place is 50/50. Establish expectations with core class from the beginning.
 * Try to observe other language teachers in their classroom to get good ideas.
 * Go to sport games, school musicals, band shows, be an assistant for something Spring Semester. This helps to get involved in the school community. Walk around class and see what other students are interested in and doing when they aren’t doing classwork.
 * Use Wiki, discussion forms and post lessons in order to share materials. Be upfront if you made a mistake on worksheets, etc.
 * Over the summer, talk about what levels you will be teaching. Find out the book they will use and go through it. Gather materials over the summer and making lessons. It is easier to modify than to create it.
 * Grad classes are not sympathetic. You get assigned readings and projects. You make a portfolio. Due dates are generally flexible. Be vocal, be outspoken. Don’t be afraid to say you didn’t do it because you didn’t have time.
 * From the first day of school, try to take lots of pictures in your class. Hand out consent forms (students and parents have to sign). Hang on to the ones that DO NOT give you permission.
 * Opportunities to permanent sub start around January.
 * Grad classes should not be your priority, bottom line. Most people get 3.5s and 4.0s.
 * Enjoy your students. They are young and don’t always know what they are saying. Don’t take students’ failure on tests too personally.
 * Use pop culture of the students in activities. Watch what they watch on TV, listen to their music.
 * Takes about until mid-October to become accustomed to everything (i.e. classes, being a teacher, etc)

More Intern Panel Notes user:sarahew
 * Don't be intimidated. Know that your TL skills are always better than your students', except native speakers.
 * It will take lots of physical energy - get lots of sleep!
 * Check into reimbursement for fingerprinting.
 * Tips for the April job fair:
 * get there early
 * don't wear black - try to stand out - bright colors
 * make sure to dress professionally
 * write "Michigan State" on your name tag beneath your name, and add what you're certified in
 * print out a map of booths, and highlight/label the ones you want to visit first
 * go to the most important ones first
 * be prepared for some people to be a little rude
 * write down names of people you talk to, and send thank-you cards
 * don't say "certified," say "highly qualified"
 * out of state schools will want you!
 * research some schools beforehand, but also ask questions at the job fair
 * remember that you're looking for a school that is a good match for you
 * remember to use spring break to apply for some jobs!