Teaching Placement Advice

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back to my blog, it has been a while since I have posted. I received many queries on instagram this weekend about how best to prepare for placement, so I decided it warranted a blog post! Grab a cup of tea (and maybe a little treat, because let’s be honest, you deserve it), and let’s chat about teaching placement and how best to prepare. You’ve already got the interest and passion to teach – now it’s all about how you navigate the day-to-day realities of the real life working of the Irish classroom!

First things first: professionalism is key. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of teaching, but remember that you’re stepping into a professional environment. Showing respect for the class teacher, the students, and the wider school community is essential. This doesn’t just mean dressing appropriately (although yes, that’s part of it), but it also means being punctual, prepared, and ready to contribute. I can’t speak enough about the difference this makes, and inspectors pick up on things like this! Showing up on time, being prepared with your plans, dressing professionally, and teaching the same way you would when the inspector is there as when she/ he is not is important.

As a student teacher, you’ll probably find yourself asking lots of questions – and that’s fine! As a class teacher, my class and my/ their time is precious to me so I do want it to be utilised as effectively as possible. I would always prefer a student teacher to ask lots of questions rather than appear disinterested.

Building a solid rapport with your students is one of the most important parts of being a great teacher. You don’t need to be their best friend, but you do need to create an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. Take the time to learn their names, get to know a little about their interests, and make sure you’re approachable. This is easier said than done when you only have a few weeks to get to know them but it is worth circulating the room and chatting to them whenever you can. The observation week is a great time to do this too.

Students respond well when they feel seen and heard, so try to show genuine interest in their learning and well-being. This can be as simple as offering a smile when you greet them or asking how they’re doing after a lesson. Keep in mind, too, that positive reinforcement goes a long way. It’s easy to focus on behaviour systems but building the rapport will get you much further than a marble jar or class dojo! I don’t use behaviour management systems and I never will but I am not sure what the official line from colleges is, if you are required to use them then I guess you need to.

It might not be what you want to hear but the importance of organisation cannot be overstated. Remember placement is only a matter of weeks. Give it your all for those few weeks, put the work in and reap the rewards. When you’re juggling lesson plans, assessments, classroom management, extracurricular activities and your own family life, staying organised is the only way to keep your head above water. Stay up to date with your lesson plans and assessments. Have a separate resource folder but don’t use too much time printing and laminating resources unless they are an integral part of your lessons, particularly with the younger classes. If you have a junior class your resources might include puppets and other hands on objects and materials. If you are teaching about transport and travel you might have some model or toy ships, aeroplanes, cars etc. If you are teaching about your locality you might have shells and sand etc from the beach. Try gather materials for your drama prop box too!

A well-organised day will also help you feel more confident. Have your lesson plans and materials ready to go ahead of time, and keep everything in a place where you can easily find it. Remember, even the best-laid plans don’t always go as expected, so it’s helpful to have a backup plan in your back pocket. A little flexibility will go a long way!

It can be easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of teaching, but don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on your experiences. At the end of each day (or at least at the end of each week), jot down your thoughts – what went well, what didn’t, and what you can improve on. This practice not only helps you grow as a teacher but also keeps you from feeling overwhelmed by all the little details.

Reflection can also be a conversation with the class teacher, who’s there to help you. We have all been through it all, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice, feedback, or even just a listening ear. They’re there to support you, and they’ll probably have some great insights on how you can improve and build on your strengths.

Teaching placements can be incredibly rewarding, but they can also be challenging. The key is to stay professional, build strong relationships with your students, and stay organised – and always remember to be kind to yourself through it all. You’re learning, growing, and making a difference, and that’s something to be proud of.

Now, finish that cup of tea and treat yourself to a moment of relaxation before you dive back in. You’ve got this! Also if you ever need advice or help don’t hesitate to reach out to me, I would be only too happy to help in any way I can!

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