Teaching young children in a classroom setting can be an interesting and valuable experience. When you are ready, you will be assigned to a teaching assistant situation. It may be in your own school, or at another school in your town. It is important to realize that you are being put in a position of responsibility and will be expected to be an excellent role model for the students you will be working with, even if they are your own age or older. The cooperating teacher that you will be working with will help you as you help him/her. Take the initiative, ask what you can do to help. Observe the cooperating teacher as you work with students. Take your cues from the teacher and remember to listen to instructions. Dress professionally, behave appropriately and respectfully and have fun.

At least twice during the year, please have your cooperating teacher fill out the following evaluation form and discuss it with you, and return it to your mentor. As you honestly evaluate and reflect on your strengths and weakness, you will improve your skills. Remember, no one is perfect and we all learn from evaluation and reflection.