Student Teaching Placements
From the Handbook for Student Teaching - "Supervised Field Experience and Practicum Placements. The university determines where the Teacher Candidate will be assigned. The decision is made by the Subject Coordinator in consultation with the Teacher Candidate and the administrator in charge of student teacher placements a cooperating school. It is not appropriate for a student teacher to speak with a principal to arrange a placement. The placement is based first on the availability of qualified University Supervisors and school site Master Teachers. Geographic constraints, teaching needs of the assignment (middle vs. high school, availability of technology, a class with English learners, etc.), and personal requests made by the candidate to the Subject Coordinator are all considered when determining the placement."
ARRANGING A STUDENT TEACHING PLACEMENT
- Middle School or High School Placement First? Student teachers gain one semester of experience in middle school, and on in high school.
- If you ultimately want to teach high school (HS), then it is best to do your first assignment in MS and second in HS. This is because you teach only one period in your first semester (554), and three in your second semester (555).
- If you ultimately want to teach middle school (MS), it is best to do your first assignment in HS and your second in MS. This is because you teach only one period in your first semester (554), and three in your second semester (555).
- Identify local schools - Examine the maps of local high schools and middle schools to find schools that are conveniently located.
- Observe master teachers before placement. Observe at least three master teachers in the subject and at the level that you plan to student teach next semester.
- Make a request - Request a master teacher using the online form.
PRIOR TO STUDENT TEACHING
- Meet with master teacher - Meet with your master teacher to discuss student teaching. Obtain the following resources
- Syllabus / Curricular guide
- Teacher edition of the textbook
- Lesson plans
- Faculty handbook for the school
- other resources the teacher provides
- Observe the master teacher again - If time permits, observe your master teacher 2 or 3 times prior to the beginning of your student teaching assignment