Organize...Organize...Organize!

Student teachers need to be incredibly organized during their student teaching semester. They must keep track of their lesson plans, lesson plan reflections, teaching observations, interesting and motivational handouts, research articles, and more! In essence, student teachers must keep a record of everything they do during their experience by collecting papers, photographs, etc. Then they must organize all of these artifacts into a coherent portfolio (like a professional scrapbook) that makes a case for why they are an effective teacher. If a student teacher does not keep artifacts organized along the way then they will have a difficult time putting their professional portfolio together.

What I am trying to say is that student teachers need an organizational system for the semester. So, a great gift for yourself (if you are a student teacher) or a student teacher friend would be an organization station. Here are the ingredients for an organization station:

Medium Size Binder and three hole punch or plastic paper protectors


Keep daily lesson plans organized chronologically in the binder. Use dividers/tabs to divide papers into three sections. In the first section keep ALL lesson plans organized chronologically (keep handouts/materials with each lesson plan - use plastic sheet protectors or envelopes to store materials). In the second section keep your unit plans and materials. In the third section keep extra copies of lesson plans that you think you will include in your final portfolio (those lesson plans that exemplify your performance on the state performance framework).

File Box



Keep all other papers and artifcats organized in individual files. Label each file folder clearly (e.g., observations, analysis, motivational artifacts, useful handouts, etc.). In addition to folders you will include for each of the artifacts you must collect during the semester, include three additional folders: 1) Include one file folder for miscellaneous in case you collect something that does not fit neatly into the other folders; 2) Include one file for "To Be Filed" items in case you do not have time to file papers one day; 3) Include one file folder for "Portfolio" and include copies of artifacts from other folders that you want to include in your portfolio OR move artifacts from other folders into the "Portfolio" folder.

Pencil Case or Small Basket



Keep pens, pencils, post-it notes, white out, scissors, highlighter, etc., in this case for easy access when noting something or writing reminders for yourself.

Student Teachers can ask their mentor teachers to help them find a safe spot in the classroom to keep their "organization stations." Happy Organizing!!