...
It is mandatory that you write a lesson plan for each class period that you teach following the template of your licensure program. This plan should be shared and cleared with your supervising teacher before you teach the lesson. When you begin teaching, lesson plans need to contain much detail. As you experience success in teaching, they may become less detailed after several weeks. Lesson plans should be kept in your student teaching lesson plan notebook organized into folders on Google Drive and shared with the Cooperating Teacher and University Consultant.
A good lesson plan:
- begins with the teaching objective(s)
- lists procedures and activities for achieving the objective(s)
- identifies materials needed
- specifies assessment procedures
- documents differentiation of instruction to meet individual student needs
...
- The state of Virginia requires that you have a Tuberculosis test before you teach in the public schools. It is imperative that you take care of this before you begin student teaching. Please note that this test is effective only for 12 months.
- You will be required to complete a background/criminal check prior to student teaching at the request of the school division. The student will be responsible for arranging and paying for the background check prior to the first day of Opening School Experience.
- You are not to be absent from your assignment for any reason whatsoever except for a personal illness or death in the immediate family. In case of such an emergency, notify your University Consultant and your Cooperating Teacher as early as possible. If you are teaching out-of-state, you need to notify your supervising teacher only. In no case may you ask your supervising teacher for permission to be absent for any reason whatsoever. Such requests must be cleared directly with the Coordinator of Field Placements. Refer to the "Student Teaching and Absences" policy found on p. 18.
- In case of inclement weather, you are responsible for monitoring school cancellations or delays. This information can be found on school division websites or whsv.com.
- You are expected to be at the cooperating school the same hours as the regular teachers. Frequently, this is one-half hour before and one-half hour after school. Some days you may need to stay longer in order to have time for conferences with your supervising teacher. You are not to give your supervising teacher the impression that you must rush back to the EMU campus (or elsewhere) because of personal duties. In fact, you should be involved in very few campus activities during student teaching.
- If you are asked to do substitute teaching for your supervising teacher or another teacher in the school, you may do so if you feel sufficiently confident. You may count this in your student teaching record, provided you receive no pay for your work. However, for your own legal protection, make sure that a designated certified teacher has been assigned to you.
- Sometimes student teachers and supervising teachers experience some difficulty in communicating. If this occurs, confide in your University Consultant early, so that the situation can be improved.
- You are required to provide your own transportation to your student teaching placements.
...
It is important that you communicate clearly to your cooperating teacher how much you appreciate his/her efforts on your behalf. Of course, your words will carry the ring of sincerity only if you have exhibited cooperation and diligence each day. You would do well to stop by the principal's office before leaving and express your appreciation to him/her also. Perhaps you will want to visit this school later in the year as you have opportunity, but remember that such visits must be cleared through the principal's office.
Reflective Teaching Seminar
...
Along with student teaching, you will enroll in a one-semester hour course ED 411 Reflective Teaching Seminar and Portfolio which is offered on a pass/fail basis. These seminars are required and your participation in the professional growth activities will be considered in your final evaluations for student teaching. Missed sessions will require make-up assignments. The dates will be announced in your syllabus and at the Cooperating Teachers Dinner. The purpose of the seminars is to focus on the improvement of teaching through reflective teaching. During your professional semester, you will finalize the development of your Student Teaching Portfolio as part of ED 411. Please do not ask to be excused from these seminars unless your reason involves an emergency.