EDUC 450 - Student Teaching in Elementary, Special Education and Early Childhood Education

(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. Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education majors complete 15 weeks of student teaching. Student teachers 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 motivation techniques, assessment practices, class room management, school law issues, curriculum development, portfolio development, licensing and certification, job search strategies, and program standards. In addition to the weekly 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, must have taken all PAPA and PECT exams and approved by the Education Department Chair. GPA of 3.0 or higher. Successful completion of the Writing Competency Exam is required.