This post is all about Student Teacher Placement Tips

This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information

Student teaching placement is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow, but it’s no secret that it comes with its fair share of challenges. From classroom management struggles to dealing with self-doubt, many student teachers find the process overwhelming at times. Trust me, I’ve been there. I know what it feels like to question yourself after a tough lesson or to worry you’re not “cut out” for teaching.

In this post, I’ll share the student-teacher placement tips I wish I had known when I started my own placement. These strategies will help you overcome the hurdles and make the most of this formative experience.

Build Resilience Against Self-Doubt

It’s natural to feel like an impostor when you’re just starting out, but self-doubt can become one of the biggest obstacles during your placement. I remember one lesson where everything went wrong, the students weren’t engaged, my timing was off, and I felt like I’d failed.

Here’s how I overcame that inner critic:

Celebrate small wins: After a tough day, I forced myself to find at least one thing I’d done well, even if it was just connecting with one student.
Keep a journal: Writing down daily reflections helped me track my progress and remind myself how far I’d come.
Talk to your support network: Sharing my struggles with other student teachers made me realise I wasn’t alone, and their encouragement kept me going.

Face Classroom Behaviour Challenges Head-On

Classroom management is one of the most intimidating aspects of teaching placements. During my first week, I had students completely ignore my instructions, and it left me feeling useless.

What helped me turn it around was understanding that behaviour management is about building relationships and consistency:

Set clear expectations from day one: Outline the rules and consequences early, and stick to them. Students thrive on consistency.
Don’t take misbehaviour personally: Students may test boundaries, especially with new teachers. Take a step back, breathe, and respond calmly.
Observe your mentor teacher: Watching how my mentor handled disruptions taught me so much about staying composed under pressure.

Remember, classroom management isn’t about being perfect; it’s about learning and improving. Your observer will really be looking out for how you manage these situations.

Overcome Lesson Planning Overwhelm

Lesson planning can feel like an uphill battle during placement. I used to spend hours trying to make every activity perfect, which left me drained and second-guessing myself.

Here are some tips I wish I’d known earlier:

Start with realistic goals: Focus on one or two key objectives per lesson instead of trying to cover everything at once.
Use ready-made resources: Don’t reinvent the wheel, your mentor or sites like Teachers Pay Teachers often have excellent materials.
Accept that things may go off track: I once planned a detailed group activity only to have half the class get stuck on step one. Instead of panicking, I adapted the task to suit their needs. Flexibility is your friend!

Handle Constructive Feedback Like a Pro

One of the toughest parts of placement is receiving feedback, especially when it’s not what you were hoping to hear. During my first observation, my mentor teacher said I needed to improve how I gave instructions. At first, I felt defensive, but over time I realised feedback is a gift.

Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Focus on growth, not perfection: Remind yourself that you’re here to learn, not to already be an expert.
Ask for examples: If feedback feels vague, request specific strategies or examples you can apply.
Take notes and revisit them: Keeping a feedback journal helped me identify recurring areas for improvement and track my progress over time.

The key is to approach feedback with curiosity and a willingness to grow—it’ll transform your teaching journey.

Navigate Professional Relationships

Interacting with your mentor, school staff, and even parents can be daunting when you’re new. I remember feeling intimidated the first time I was asked to talk to a parent about their child’s progress.

Here’s what worked for me:

Be approachable and open to learning: Your mentor and colleagues are there to support you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—they’ll appreciate your initiative.
Prepare for parent interactions: Have specific examples of student progress or concerns ready. For instance, when I had to discuss a student’s reading, I shared samples of their work to guide the conversation.
Show gratitude: A simple “thank you” to your mentor or other staff for their help goes a long way in building positive relationships.

These interactions may feel nerve-wracking, but they’ll boost your confidence and professionalism over time.

Manage Time and Stress Effectively

The workload during placement can feel unrelenting, especially if you’re balancing assignments, planning, and teaching. At one point, I was so overwhelmed that I found myself so stressed out in my car after school. That’s when I realised I needed to take control of my time and stress.

Here’s what helped:

Create a weekly plan: Block out time for planning, grading, and self-care. Having a clear schedule reduced my anxiety.
Learn to say no: It’s okay to prioritise and turn down extra responsibilities if you’re already stretched thin.
Take mental breaks: Even five minutes to breathe or walk outside can make a huge difference during a hectic day.

Your well-being is just as important as your teaching duties. Make time to recharge.

Tackle Difficult Days with a Growth Mindset

There will be days when you feel like nothing is going right, and that’s okay. During one particularly tough week, I questioned whether I was meant to be a teacher at all. But looking back, those hard moments taught me resilience.

When challenges arise, try these strategies:

Reflect on what you can control: Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can improve next time.
Find a trusted mentor or peer to debrief with: Sharing my struggles with someone who understood always helped me see things more clearly.
Remember your “why”: Write down why you chose teaching in the first place, and revisit it on hard days. For me, it was knowing I could make a difference in my students’ lives.

Each challenge you overcome will make you a stronger, more compassionate educator.

To Sum It Up

Teaching placements are packed with challenges, but they’re also where you’ll grow the most as a teacher. By addressing self-doubt, building resilience, and leaning on the support around you, you’ll not only navigate the challenges but thrive in the classroom.

I hope these student teacher placement tips help you feel empowered and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Remember, every hurdle is shaping you into the amazing teacher you’re becoming. Keep going—you’ve got this!