EDUC 451 - Student Teaching in the Middle/ Secondary School

(12 credits)

Student teaching is the culminating experience for the senior student enrolled in the professional phase of the teacher preparation program at Saint Francis University. University faculty and cooperating teachers place emphasis on helping student teachers develop as reflective decision makers while applying educational theory to practice. Experiences include lesson observation, planning, and teaching; using a variety of instructional strategies, resources, materials, and technology; adapting instruction for special needs students; teaching diverse populations; and assessing student achievement. Secondary majors complete a twelve-credit, fifteen-week assignment in their area of certification. Students are required to attend an integrated, non-credit weekly seminar designed to reinforce and enhance the standards and expectations of the program. Topics include lesson planning, effective instruction curriculum development, motivation techniques, assessment practices, classroom management, school law issues, portfolio development, licensing and certification, job search strategies, and program standards. In addition to the planned topics, the seminar enables students to share student teaching experiences with fellow students and supervisors. Prerequisites: All major course requirements completed prior to student teaching, application for student teaching submitted by the established deadline and approved by the Field Services Coordinator.GPA of 3.0 or higher. Successful completion of the Writing Competency Exam. Must have taken content area PECT examinations.