The realities of student teaching

For many education students, winter semester brings practicum. Thirdyear practicum gives students their first real taste of teaching. Students are placed at a school (this is done by the practicum office; most students have no choice) for six weeks and are expected to teach 60 per cent of their associate teacher’s workload (unpaid). Between the lesson planning and commuting, there is very little time to participate in non-practicum related activities.

To get to my placement, I wake up at 6 a.m. every morning. I get ready and commute 50 minutes to Danville, Quebec. We arrive at 7:30 a.m. each day, since we must arrive 30 minutes before school starts and spend the day in the classroom. Later, I leave the school and return home between 4-5 p.m. Even though I am back at home, my work is not finished yet. I use this time to plan lessons and work on my reflection journal that I need to submit weekly. Once planning/ journaling is completed, I cook dinner, shower, pack a lunch and just like that, it is time to go to sleep. This schedule has had me sacrifice my life outside of school. I had to take six weeks off from my job, I have had little to no time to put into school clubs, and often decline invites from my friends. I had the opportunity to talk to many other student teachers, and they share similar feelings. Taylor McElligott, a student completing her third-year practicum, said, “Practicum has affected my social life. Even on weekends I am still thinking and reflecting on my teaching performance or lesson planning. It is a busy time for us.”

Kacie Byam, another student enrolled in the sixweek practicum, stated: “It is difficult to find that work/ life balance. I am learning so much while trying to bal- ance other responsibilities. I feel like I have no time for anything else. I want to be well prepared for placement, so this means giving up extra activities.”

Overall, practicum is an amazing way to gain experience that you cannot get through a textbook. It is the perfect opportunity to get an idea of what teacher life is truly like, make connections in schools/school boards, and practice classroom management skills. However, student teaching presents challenges with the work-life balance.

Colin Ahern, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com