Student teaching is one of the most rewarding and busiest seasons of college. If you are an education major at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, you have probably heard that student teaching is “full-time.” That is true, but it is also so much more than just showing up to a classroom. Here is what a typical day looks like for me as a student teacher. 

Starting the Day

My alarm goes off at 6:00 AM every morning. I spend time getting ready and reading my Bible before the day begins, which helps me feel grounded and focused. Having that quiet time allows me to ease into the day instead of feeling overwhelmed by it. 

I also prepare as much as I can the night before, from laying out my outfit to packing my lunch and school bag. It may seem small, but those habits make my mornings smoother and less stressful. 

Arriving at School

I always arrive a little before 8:00 a.m., even though class doesn’t start until 8:30. That extra time is important. It allows me to settle into the classroom, sign my time log, and make sure everything is set up for the day. 

I put the question of the day, learning target, and date on the board at the end of each school day, so it is already prepared when I walk in the next morning. Having that consistency helps both my students and me start class smoothly. 

Teaching Freshmen

I student teach freshmen only, so I teach the same lesson multiple times a day. Right now, we are in our speech unit. Depending on the day, I might be introducing new speech concepts, giving students time to work and practice, or listening to and grading student speeches. 

Each class begins the same way. I greet students at the door, remind them to fill out their agenda and complete their bellringer, and then take attendance. I have learned that structure and routine are everything, especially with freshmen. 

Afternoon Routine

Lunch is a quick but much-needed reset before heading into the second half of the day. After lunch, I teach one more class, followed by a prep period and study hall. 

My prep period is where much of the behind-the-scenes work happens. I plan upcoming lessons, prepare bellringers for the next week (usually on Thursdays or Fridays), print materials if needed, organize assignments, and enter grades. 

Friday Schedule

Fridays are especially busy. We have a 2:00 dismissal, which means shortened classes and tighter transitions. Bellringers and weekly agendas are due, and sometimes I conduct binder checks, which can feel like a whirlwind in larger classes. 

Every Friday, I also complete an “At a Glance” chart for the upcoming week, so students know what to expect each day. Planning ahead is essential and helps the following week run more smoothly. 

Beyond the Classroom

Student teaching also includes formal evaluations. I am required to complete six total evaluations: 

• Three from my Clinical Teacher (CT) 
• Three from my Clinical Supervisor (CS) 

My Clinical Teacher is the teacher I work with every day in the classroom. My Clinical Supervisor, on the other hand, is a university representative who comes in for scheduled observations. 

In addition to teaching, I am responsible for grading and entering scores. It is a lot of responsibility, but it is also preparing me for having my own classroom one day. 

More Than a Routine

Although my routine stays mostly the same each day, no two days feel identical. Some days are smooth and energizing. Other days challenge me and push me to grow. But every single day reminds me of why I chose English Education. 

Student teaching is early mornings, careful preparation, structured routines, busy Fridays, evaluations, grading, and constant reflection. But more than anything, it’s building relationships, growing in confidence, and learning what it really means to lead a classroom. 

Even though my alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. every morning, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.