supervisor. The purpose of this visit is to get acquainted, ensure that NLU expectations are understood by all, and for questions to be answered. At this time, the supervisor, teacher candidate, and cooperating teacher should arrange the first date for a formal observation visit. 2. Two Formal Observations: These observations each include a brief pre-observation conference, a 30–60-minute observation of the teacher candidate teaching a lesson, and a post-observation conference with the teacher candidate and the cooperating teacher. These conferences can be done separately if the classroom schedule prevents both the teacher candidate and the cooperating teacher from participating at the same time. It is suggested that these observations occur during week 4 or 5 and week 7 or 8. 3. Evaluation Conference: In a linked Practicum II/Student Teaching experience, an evaluation conference should take place at the end of Practicum II. The purpose of this conference is to discuss the Practicum II experience, the Competency Appraisals, to explain the transition from Practicum II to Student Teaching, and to ensure that the NLU expectations of the Student Teaching experience are understood by all. At this time, supervisors, teacher candidates, and the cooperating teacher should arrange the first date for a formal observation visit for student teaching. Student Teaching Orientation in Practicum II The purpose of the Student Teaching Orientation is to present a general understanding of the requirements of Student Teaching as well as to present ideas as to how to begin the experience. This session takes place during one of the Practicum II seminars. Students who are not taking Practicum II immediately prior to the Student Teaching term need to contact their previous Practicum II instructor or the leader of seminar for which they registered for current Student Teaching information. Calendar Dates for Field Placements All courses requiring students to complete field-based clinical components follow the University calendar. Student teaching assignments begin and end on the dates indicated in the teacher candidate’s confirmation letter sent by the Office of Field Experiences. However, start and end dates for student teaching may need to be modified dependent on the needs of the school district and placement site. Upon confirmation of the placement, it is the responsibility of the student teacher to contact the cooperating teacher and supervisor to determine a schedule for the experience. In all cases, a minimum of 10-weeks of full-day student teaching (not counting spring break) is required. The placement must end no later than the end of the university’s quarter. During Spring Quarter, the placement ends when the NCE/NLU quarter ends or the last day of the school year for the district where the placement site is located, whichever comes first. Please note: Practicum students may not serve as a substitute teacher. If the cooperating teacher is absent, the school must arrange for a qualified substitute teacher to be always in the classroom. Candidates are required to notify the seminar leader if a qualified substitute teacher is not in the classroom.
ECE MAT P2/ST Handbook 2025-2026
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