As far as I see this statement there is little that can be misunderstood about this. It is best for a teacher to also assist others as they are able. When people are able to help as they are at their best it is wonderful for those who are in less fortunate circumstances. There are also always new teachers who need to be helped to get experience and grow so practicums are the perfect example of standard 8.
I would say however that fortunately there is far more to being able to help the profession that does not need to be a zero sum game where help drains the potential for a teacher. Before I had even begun my first practicum at Lac Des Bois I had a circumstance that built and reinforced this understanding. On the Tuesdays that I was able to visit my CT’s class had a woodworking block that was benefited by having another adult to help make sure that students were working safely.
A Little Rusty, but I still remember the safety
I was helpful enough that the teacher-librarian who was running the class specifically asked if I could help with the next class that was the same project but from a different class. Whether or not this was because I was particularly good or having another warm body to ensure that students are less likely to goof off or hurt themselves I do not care either way since I experienced the virtuous cycle of helping and being helped at the same time.
I was, and still am, awkward. (or at least I think so, and thats all that matters)
Because of this it is somewhat more difficult to insert myself into student’s behaviors or correct/question what they’re doing. This changes when the students are sawing wood while holding it stable with their hand far too close to, or even underneath, a sawblade. It is far easier to insert myself into their behavior and stop them, then asking them what would happen if their saw were to slip or break (Because it is possible to break a saw with enough sideways motion). Once they understand that there is an actual chance they get hurt (I have an anecdote from my time in high school where a classmate injured his eye while hammering at homw without protective glasses) they engage in more safe behaviour.
This is probably not a profound change in their mindset but so long as the class is a safer environment while I’m there I am assisting the teacher. Conversely I was able to force myself out of whatever introverted mindset and act more which is an improvement for myself. Everybody benefitted and I am certainly more likely to be accepting the idea of helping out in adjacent classrooms leading up to my later practicums.
Even if it might be a bit more work to do so there are benefits that I, the students, and the other teachers can have that do not run only one way.