as other teacher responsibilities [e.g., escorting the children, planning and making bulletin boards, checking homework]. Weeks 5 – 9: This is the ‘ Fine Tuning’ phase. The student teacher continues to assume more responsibilities until taking over all of the classroom teaching. Sometime during weeks 5-10, student teachers must assume full responsibility for everything that happens in the classroom – planning, assessment, instruction, management, everything. Student teachers are required to have full responsibility for a minimum of 10 consecutive days. We strongly encourage student teachers to do more if possible. Weeks 10 - end of experience: This is the ‘ Transferring Back’ stage. The student teacher gradually returns responsibilities for teaching back to the cooperating teacher, following a reverse process. This is also a time when student teachers are encouraged to visit other classrooms and grade levels in their school. Student teachers are now able to look in classrooms with more experienced eyes. Focus on Roles during Student Teaching For the Student Teacher Theory and Practice are two concepts that are closely linked. These should be second nature to student teachers during this capstone experience. Student teachers should continue to keep in mind the pragmatics of how theory and practice are experienced in school communities, how schools and districts, state standards, goals, and tests, and cultural and political factors influence the decisions that are made while interacting with children, families, colleagues, and the community. Student teachers and cooperating teachers have an essential relationship to develop as fully as possible. It is critical to communicate on a consistent basis before school, during school, and after school. This can be challenging as time is always at a premium. Student teachers will need feedback for collaborative learning, methods of teaching and assessment, and the use of state standards, school protocol, lesson ideas, and much more. In addition to one-on-one dialogues or team meetings, it is important to have genuine, meaningful communication with the cooperating teacher. Some will ask student teachers to write questions to be answered outside of the school day or continue discussions by e-mail. Constant communication plays a major role in all relationships and is extremely important in this experience. For example, ask questions for clarification no matter what the issue might be. Whether it is about a lesson plan, goal setting, or a puzzling remark heard, it is important to understand the expectations
ELE MAT P2/ST Handbook 2025-2026
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