Nov 143 min read

Preparing the teachers of tomorrow

Updated: Nov 15

By Lilliana Chai and Shiny Xu Nov. 13, 2024

For aspiring teachers, becoming a student teacher is a pivotal step that bridges the gap between theory and practice. In California, all college students working toward a teaching credential must complete 600 hours of fieldwork, or student teaching, where they apply what they have learned in the classroom into practice.

Students begin this process by applying for a student teaching program at a university. In their first semester, they take regular college classes focused on education to understand the basics of teaching psychology. Then, in the second semester, they work closely with a mentor teacher in their subject area, observing, leading parts of lessons, assisting with grading and gradually teaching entire classes. The candidates often connect with professors to find student teaching opportunities, sometimes through pre-existing relationships between their university and local high schools. SJSU, for example, has such a relationship with the school where student teacher, Ricky Covey, is gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of Melissa Webb, English Department.

“My drama teachers saw something in me that not a lot of people did. They saw the potential that even I did not see in myself, which really inspired me. When I became a teacher, I also adopted my math teacher’s teaching philosophy, where I try not to make it a student’s favorite class, but rather their best class,” Covey said.

Student teaching differs from internships, as interns are full-time, paid teachers with their own classes, whereas student teachers are generally unpaid and supported by a trained teacher. As they advance, their roles increase; in the third semester of their credential program, student teachers assume the role of the lead teacher for their classes. For example, another student teacher, Paige Townsend, is in her third semester under the mentorship of Stacy Rapoport, Art Department.

“In second period Advanced Draw/Paint and fifth period Beginner Draw/Paint, I am responsible for all instruction, lesson plans, and feedback. First and third period—which are also Advanced and Beginning Draw/Paint respectively—are my observation periods, where I provide assistance to students when needed, allowing me to learn through observation and application,” said Townsend.

Time management is crucial for student teachers, who must juggle their university coursework, teaching duties and personal lives. For example, in addition to teaching, Townsend must complete her California Teacher Performance Assessment by semester’s end, a large project that includes filming and annotating her teaching sessions. Therefore, she is usually at the school every day and does not have any free time during the week. As for Tia Nguyen, a Counseling Department intern, she manages her internship responsibilities at the school three days a week and attends SJSU’s night classes, enabling her to balance her academic and professional commitments.

Being a student teacher is simultaneously challenging and rewarding. Former student teacher Stacy Fernandez, now a permanent Special Education teacher, recalls both struggles and highlights of her experience, especially during the pandemic.

“I was not confident that I was doing a good job teaching online—it was difficult to reach the students and I doubted my abilities. However, meeting the students I taught in-person and then watching them graduate was amazing. Seeing the results of their hard work when they crossed the stage at the Rose Garden filled me with pride,” said Fernandez.

Ultimately, the journey of student teaching prepares aspiring educators for their careers, providing them with essential classroom experience and skills while helping them discover a genuine passion for teaching and supporting student growth.

About the Contributors

Liliana Chai is a sophomore at Leland High School. She is a staff writer for the 2024-25 Charger Account. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, playing piano, writing poetry and

sleeping.

Shiny Xu is a Junior at Leland High School and a Staff Writer. This is her first year in journalism. She likes theater, reading and hanging out with her friends.