Elder doing student teaching

The University of Wyoming College of Education’s spring 2023 student teachers have been transitioning from learning to teaching during their 16-week student-teaching experience. This spring, nearly 150 teachers have been placed in schools across Wyoming and in surrounding states.

Kee Elder has been in an eighth grade English-language arts classroom in her hometown in Hot Springs County School District 1.

“I have learned about data analysis and how to create data-driven instruction. We have covered planning, assessment and student engagement in my time in the classroom, and these lessons will benefit me for years to come,” Elder says. “I also have learned how to have crucial conversations that maintain student focus and cause growth that is unparalleled.”

Although UW student teachers have many opportunities to work in classrooms during practicums, student teaching is the capstone experience for student teachers. During this time, they test their teaching abilities leading a real classroom under the mentorship of experienced classroom teachers.

Elizabeth McMahan, who leads the student-teaching program in the School of Teacher Education, says student teaching is an important experience for future teachers. Over the 16 weeks, student teachers gradually assume all of the responsibilities of running a classroom -- including creating formal lesson plans; practicing instruction with students; and maintaining an organized, safe classroom environment.

“Student teaching provides our students with the pedagogical tools and experience necessary to connect what they have learned in the classroom with what they are doing in their classroom,” she says. “The residency experience provides our students with an opportunity to have support and feedback from experienced, master teachers while they are still learning and developing skills in lesson planning; classroom management; a variety of teaching strategies; communicating with parents; and collaborating with other teachers and professionals.”