On the new Preservice Teachers website, you'll find links to lesson plans, Office tools for teachers, classroom management strategies, and teacher communities that will help get your student teaching off on the right foot.

I've spoken with a number of students who plan to make education their career, and one common theme seems to be "OMG! Can I do this? What have I gotten myself into?" So if you feel this way, you aren't alone.

On the website you'll hear a principal/superintendent talk about his expectations for student teachers and what he sees as common pitfalls. I've also included links to teacher blogs--people who are living it and who share great tips and strategies (plus eye-opening, unvarnished truths).

Check out the site, and be sure to leave your feedback here. I'm totally open to adding or deleting content based on feedback, so I look forward to hearing from you.

--Matt Shelton