Student Teaching Success- Last Day

Thanks for stopping by again today! We're moving on to part 4 of our series but first: 

Part 1: Initial Contact 

Part 2: Dress Code 

Part 3: First Day and Beyond!

Part 4: Last Day

So you made it through! You have planned projects, lessons, made it through observations, possibly had a meltdown (or two) and yet you are going to terribly miss your students.  You will always remember learning and growing with them.  Whatever you do - enjoy the day!!  I got pulled out to sub a 1/2 day during my last day and I feel like I didn't get all the time with my students like I wanted...good thing I was back later in the year. 

DO- leave a good lasting impression

• You have a couple of different options here.  I'll let you know what I did and then you can go from there. 
• Write a letter to the principals/administration.  I wrote a thank you note for accepting me into their school community for this time.  I added examples of things they did like making me a custom place-card for meetings.  I also added why I liked working in this school and how they helped me grow with feedback and observations.  I think it let them know it really was a privilege since I wasn't a contract teacher.  As your professors might remind you- it all reflects on your school and yourself the whole time!!
• I gave my cooperating teacher a gift.  I got her favorite items and this canvas with words the students used to describe her in her favorite  colors. 
• Sometimes you get presents too, so if there are any teachers that need ideas......
• I know some get books the students make.
• My teacher gave me: this tub full of books and supplies!! We have a Scholastic warehouse in our city so books are available for cheaper.  A perfect start to my own library!!! I love how cute she made the tub too - tape and all the signatures :) 

Stay tuned for the next post about what to do after student teaching!