Understanding your teaching style, methods and how to problem-solve in the classroom requires experience in the classroom. That is why the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is proud to ensure student teachers get extensive hands-on experience in the classroom and receive in-depth preparation and support in a range of education settings throughout their undergraduate studies. 

Senior early childhood education major, Allison Samsel, student-teaches in a third-grade classroom at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia. In her role, under the supervision and guidance of a full-time mentor teacher, Barbara Kennedy, she plans lessons, leads small- and large-group lessons and works one-on-one with students. "She is super supportive of my learning and has allowed me to take over parts of the day throughout our time together," Samsel shared. 

Mentorship is among the most important aspects of the student-teaching program. It provides student-teachers with a blueprint, as well as a connection to someone in the industry that they can look up to. It also helps student-teachers learn how to overcome different challenges.  

"Lessons don't always go the way we planned, schedules can change, or there may be unexpected interruptions, students can sense when you get flustered or panic," shared Samsel.  

Samsel met her mentor through the Temple School L.I.F.E. Project for Multilingual Students, a grant-funded program in which eligible CEHD early childhood education (ECE) students receive tuition scholarships and stipends to complete the courses and practicum needed to graduate dually certified in ESL (English as a Second Language) and ECE. Samsel was carefully matched with Barbara Kennedy, a mentor-teacher also receiving professional development about best practices for teaching English learners in mainstream classrooms as part of the School L.I.F.E. Project.  "The L.I.F.E. project is preparing me to be an effective educator for all students, especially those who are new to the country and learning English for the first time," added Samsel.  

The Temple School L.I.F.E. Project gives CEHD student-teachers the opportunity to apply what they learn during the ESL certification process by placing them in linguistically diverse schools, matching them with high-quality mentor teachers, and providing on-site coaching for student teachers and mentors. 

In addition to the School L.I.F.E. Project, Samsel's preparation included hands-on field experience ahead of student teaching through practicums offered by the college. "Practicums are a great time to build confidence by talking with students and building relationships with mentors," shared Samsel. 

Relationships are another key aspect of the program. As a teacher, it's important to build relationships with students, fellow teachers, parents and even community members. Samsel recommends other CEHD students make the most of their year student teaching by building those relationships. "Get to know the teachers and staff in the school and ask lots of questions," she said. 

Samsel is also able to take the lessons she learns from her colleagues beyond the classroom. Balancing her own schoolwork and her early teaching responsibilities could have easily become overwhelming. Samsel noted that the preparation, support and learnings she received from faculty and staff at the college helped set her up for success. She shared, "Getting into a routine of when I was doing my work was the biggest thing that helped me." 

For all CEHD students, student-teaching is a huge part of building your teaching style, problem solving skills and more. Visit our website for more information on student teaching. Rising CEHD juniors interested in applying to join the School L.I.F.E. Project for the fall 2025 cohort can email Karen Liebner at [click-for-email] for additional information.