Coker College Wiggins School of Education Field Experience Orientation

Who? Shay Pierce, Director, Education Internship Programs Coker graduate and Hartsville native Experiences: public high school teacher, adult education instructor, Assistant Director of Coker’s Writing Center (now Writer’s Studio), and private elementary and middle school teacher Contact Information: Office located in the WiSE building, 1st room on the left 8:30-5:00pm M-F or by appointment

What are field experiences? The field experience and student teaching program is a four-phase program. Each student has the opportunity to experience a diverse set of public school placements beginning with observation and progressing to full-time student teaching. All field experiences are course-related and have specific requirements.

Why? The requirements for all students in a SC educator preparation program include 100 minimum hours of field experience. The experiences are intended to be reflective of diverse cultures, socioeconomic groups, exceptionalities, grade levels, and subject areas. You will be able to observe instructional practices and apply methodology learned from your courses. Art, Biology, Chemistry, Dance, Early Childhood (Dual), Elementary, English, Math, Music, Physical Education, and Social Studies

When? School schedules run from 7:40am to 2:30 or 3:30pm You are responsible for planning all of your hours for field experiences. You must receive approval of your planned visits from the teacher first. You may have to adjust based on specific content area instruction. You are a guest. Work with your supervising teacher as much as possible.

Where? 24 District Agreements Commuters have the option of home based placements Residential students without cars will be given preference for closer schools Each district follows different protocol for placements and paperwork

How? As a new student, you will need to register with us and receive clearance. You must purchase a LiveText account and complete a profile. You will be assigned a placement based on your profile (I will to you) and school availability. You will have access to all of your placements via LiveText.

Clearance Tuberculosis screening (complete the form, submit) You only need a PPD test if you answered 'yes' for at risk questions. Complete and submit the Background Check Form. SLED background check is required every 18 months with a fingerprint when you apply for student teaching (done in our office-$15 to Mrs. Hoefer, our coordinator) You will receive follow up s when it's time to re- check, please notify us if you have a record.

Frequently Asked Questions When can I start? As soon as you get the placement from LiveText you should contact your supervising teacher! DO NOT WAIT TO CONTACT YOUR TEACHER Sometimes it takes hours to confirm a placement and sometimes weeks. Please be patient. If you have an immediate questions or concerns, you can always me. Or...ask 3 before me. Our website:

Professionalism We expect you to conduct yourself in a professional manner, at ALL times: dress, punctuality, demeanor, confidentiality. You will be responsible for maintaining a positive partnership through your representation of Coker. Livetext.com (Time entry and Evaluations) Please make sure you visit the main office to sign in EVERY time! Finish your hours with enough time to finalize your journal and all assignments. Waiting increases your chance of running out of time. Without your field experience, you will fail the course!

You are expected to have the following professional dispositions: Please keep in mind that your evaluations over the course of your academic career will reflect your level of performance in these areas. Demonstrates confidence with subject matter in classroom interactions Appreciates the importance of cultural literacy Exhibits an attitude of reflection and perseverance Commits to ethical and professional values Appreciates student diversity Is an advocate of students and of the profession Values life-long learning Takes the initiative in personal learning and is a member of the community of learners Appreciates and participates in the culture of our society

Multiple Placements At Coker, you will have terms/semesters with multiple placements. They may be in the same school or with the same teacher. Each placement is separate and no hours for one course should be used for another course. Double Dipping = Academic Dishonesty

Self-Placement You must receive our approval for a self-placement. Self-placements are only available to full time district employees that have been given permission from their principals to obtain hours during their break times. You cannot complete hours while working in your classroom. Self-placements are handled on a case by case basis.

Considerations It's very important that you take each experience as a learning opportunity to develop your style and practice your abilities. You will have positive and negative experiences. Please consider the following to determine if this is the right career path for you: location, age level, content, and supervising teacher cooperation. Going in the class to observe without speaking to the teacher will not help you learn, grow, or develop as an educator.

What's Next? Clearance LiveText Profile Placement