NIU Student Teacher Orientation Fall 2013

Friendly Reminder Please turn off cell-phones & no texting during the meeting

Introduction Dr. Jenny Parker Acting Associate Vice Provost for Educator Licensure and Preparation Northern Illinois University

Welcome Dr. Douglas D. Baker President Northern Illinois University

Purpose To convene as a community of educators (including student teachers, teachers and administrators from all levels of education and disciplines) in order to:  Reflect on the student teacher’s professional role within the school district, school and classroom, and to  Identify strategies to assist the student teacher in professional and personal management.

8:45 AMLegal and Ethical Issues for Educators Ms. Amanda Christensen, Regional Superintendent of Schools, DeKalb Regional Office of Education #16, DeKalb, IL 9:15 AMHealth and Wellness Issues Dr. Kara Britzman, Licensed Clinical Counselor, Counseling & Student Development, Northern Illinois University 9:30 AMBreak Agenda

9:45 AM Cooperating Teacher Panel Moderator – Dr. James Cohen – Literacy Education Ms. Gail Cappaert, ESL Teacher, DeKalb High School, DeKalb District 428 Mr. Scott Horlock, Biology Teacher, Sycamore High School, Sycamore District 427 Ms. DeAnda McNeil, Elementary Teacher, Founders Elementary School, DeKalb District 428 Ms. Jennifer Bubrick, Special Education Dixon USD 170, Dixon, IL Ms. Kelli Hamilton, Middle School Teacher, Clinton Rosette Middle School, DeKalb, IL Agenda Continued

10:30 AMTeacher Panel Questions & Answers 11:00 AM Licensure Procedures and Policies Dr. Jenny Parker Acting Associate Vice Provost for Educator Licensure and Preparation 11:30 AMWrap-up and Evaluation Agenda Continued

Feedback Form Please complete & return the handout form to the check-in table before leaving today.

Legal and Ethical Issues: Student Teacher Orientation Amanda Christensen Regional Superintendent DeKalb County Regional Office of Education #16

Blood Borne Pathogens FERPA HIPAA Child Abuse / Mandated Reporting Diabetes Suicide Prevention Educator Ethics (every two years) ADD / ADHD (every two years) Food Allergy (every two years) Sexual Harassment (required for supervisors; recommended for all) Emergency Procedures Mandated Trainings (as required by Illinois School Code)

There are MORE, depending on the teaching position: AED training Concussions Time-out and Physical Restraint AIDS Awareness Bullying Prevention First Aid/CPR Gang Resistance Violence Prevention and Conflict Resolution

FERPA and HIPAA  Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act  Provides the right…  to parents or eligible students to have access to educational records  to seek to have records amended  to have control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information  to file a complaint  Prohibits the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information derived from educational records (confidentiality)  An exception to the prior written consent allows “school officials,” including teachers, to obtain information when they have a “legitimate educational interest” (Need to Know NOT Want to Know)  Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  Protects the privacy of individually identifiable health information

Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Any district employee who suspects or receives knowledge that a student may be an abused or neglected child shall immediately report such a case to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Locate and become familiar with the school and district procedures for Mandated Reporting. Employer will require a signed Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status

Emergency Procedures Be aware of all procedures for a variety of emergencies: fire evacuation, shelter-in-place, lockdown, active shooter Please note that School Safety Drill Act was modified this year to specifically require an active shooter drill ▫Law enforcement should be in attendance ▫Students may or may not be in attendance Likewise, health emergencies such as diabetes, seizure, and allergies/anaphylactic shock are always a concern. Be aware of the communication protocol! It’s good practice to ASK, “What should I do if…?”

Access to Electronic Networks: Acceptable Use Policy You will need to sign an AUP. If it’s not work-related, do not use work computers or work addresses! Students and staff should have NO expectation of privacy in any material that is stored, transmitted or received via a district’s electronic network or computers Social Networks Know your district policy regarding Social Networks Recommendations: Do not “friend” students and parents Use professional judgment Do not discuss school related situations, staff, students, etc Do not consider social networking as “private” Important Policies and Procedures to Know and Understand

Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace ▫All district workplaces are drug and alcohol free ▫This includes smoking and use of tobacco Copyright ▫Ask your cooperating teacher or the technology department / library media director for assistance in determining whether the material complies with laws or for obtaining proper authorization to use materials Communication ▫With parents and staff ▫Written and Verbal ▫Phone calls vs. s

Important Policies and Procedures to Know and Understand Student Discipline ▫Obtain a copy of the school’s handbook and become familiar with the discipline policies and procedures ▫Obtain a copy of the district’s policies that discuss discipline ▫Observe a variety of classroom management plans ▫Get to know your deans, counselors, social workers, principals who deal with student discipline Grading ▫Obtain a copy of and be knowledgeable about grading policy and procedure for the district, school, grade level and/or department. ▫Follow practices and procedures set up in the classroom. Communicate with your cooperating teacher in order to avoid contradicting each other. ▫Grades are meant to be an indication of student performance and should not be used as a means of reward/punishment.

504 and IDEA Federal legislation requires that all students with disabilities have access to appropriate educational opportunities. Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act Become familiar with and seek experiences to gain an understanding of 504 and IEP laws, protections, and accommodations in general. Communicate with your cooperating teacher regarding student specifics.

Response to Intervention (RtI) Districts had to complete and submit RtI plans by January 2009 Philosophical foundation of Response to Intervention (RtI): ▫high-quality instruction/intervention matched to student needs ▫consideration of learning rate and level of performance (ALL students can learn, but not at the same time in the same way!) ▫making educational decisions based on data What does this look like? ▫using differentiated instructional strategies for all learners ▫providing all learners with research-based interventions ▫continuously monitoring student performance ▫making decisions based on a student’s response to interventions Three essential components: ▫a three tier model of school supports (red, yellow, green) ▫a problem-solving method for decision-making ▫an integrated data system that informs instruction (and a data team that knows how to analyze and respond to data!)

Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) Requires 4 ratings of Excellent, Proficient, Needs Improvement, and Unsatisfactory to be used on teacher evaluation tools Your evaluations are protected from FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). They are private files between you and your district. All administrators must engage in rigorous on- line training in order to be pre-qualified to evaluate.

Student growth as a significant factor “a demonstrable change in a student’s or group of students’ knowledge or skills, as evidenced by gain and/or attainment on two or more assessments, between two or more points in time” 30% of a classroom teacher’s evaluation must be student growth Implemented for principals in 2012 Must be implemented for all teachers as of September 1, 2016

What is tenure? Under old law, it meant 4 years of contractual continuous service in one district. It is a “property right” earned after a period of probationary service. Years of service were not transferrable between districts. Under new law, tenure can be acquired faster than in the past –at the end of the 3 rd year if there are three summative Excellent ratings Years of service with evaluation ratings will be transferrable, but a process has not yet been devised.

“Senate Bill 7”/ Public Act  When budgetary reasons were the cause for job reductions of tenured teachers, it used to be called Reduction in Force (RIF). This is now called Honorable Dismissal.  Teachers used to be “called back” based solely on seniority.  NOW performance is emphasized in relation to job security, instead of merely seniority.

Licensure As of July 1, 2013, Illinois switched to a licensure system from a certification system. You will receive a Professional Educator License (PEL). You will need to use the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) on the Illinois State Board of Education website to complete any transactions regarding your license (apply, pay fees, register, etc.) $75 application fee $50 registration fee for 5 years

Licensure Illinois is currently lacking legislature that governs the renewal process. We are expecting that new renewal rules will be in place for the school year. We are expecting that ISBE will implement an annual check of Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) in addition to a cumulative check at the end of a validity period. It is important you engage in professional development and KEEP DOCUMENTATION.

Professionalism Employees are expected to maintain high standards in their relationships, to demonstrate integrity and honesty, to be considerate and cooperative, and to maintain professional relationships with students, parents, staff members, and the community. Think before you speak or act. Are you being a role model?

Amanda Christensen, Regional Superintendent DeKalb County Regional Office of Education 2500 N. Annie Glidden Rd., Suite C DeKalb IL QUESTIONS ?

Health and Wellness Issues Ms. Kara Britzman Licensed Clinical Counselor, Counseling & Student Development, Northern Illinois University

Academic Calendar Stressors

OCTOBER Cliques are forming… Mid-term work-load pressures Relationship strains

Academic Calendar Stressors NOVEMBER Cold is coming Academic pressure Depression and anxiety increase Economic anxiety New relationships

Academic Calendar Stressors DECEMBER Extracurricular time strain Anxiety, fear, and guilt increase as final examinations approach Pre-Christmas depression Financial strain Final Exams Cold and maybe snow

Frequent Stressors in College Life Test and performance anxiety Roommate problems Homesickness Difficulty in making friends Relationship turmoil Time management problems Financial problems Lack of sleep Change in eating habits Family responsibilities or conflict.

Stress is inevitable Predict: Know yourself and what stresses you out. Watch for your own signs. Prevent: Avoid things that stress you out when reasonable. Take care of yourself regularly.

Preventing Stress - Eat healthy; at least one hot - Exercise meal a day. - Sleep a regular schedule, - Make connections with preferably 7-8 hrs a night with others

A Way to Reduce Stress The relaxation room is located in the Counseling & Student Development Office in the Campus Life Building – Room 200 It’s open to all Students, Faculty and Staff Monday – Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30pm You can listen to soothing music, read, or sit in the massage chair.

Strive Dog Days! Located in Stevenson Hall North, monthly Therapy dogs will be available for students to come visit!

Campus Recreation Below are a few services at Campus Recreation that can make exercising fun. Exercise can help with anxiety, mood, stress or frustration.

Improving Time Management Set aside “chunks” of time and give yourself rewards Turn off your cell phone Hold yourself accountable Break down tasks into smaller parts Reduce distractions and multi-tasking

Myths about Counseling Myth 1 Counseling is only for people who have serious emotional problems. Fact: While counseling does help those with crisis or emotional problems, it is also intended for: Individuals who have difficulty with self-esteem or communication concerns Individuals having academic problems, or experiencing test anxiety Students having difficulty with time and stress management. Students trying to adjust to their new surroundings.

Myths about Counseling Myth 2 Seeking counseling is a sign of personal weakness. Fact: It takes courage to explore sensitive feelings and painful experiences. Individuals who seek counseling are taking the first step in resolving their difficulties.

Take advantage of FREE resources available on campus:  Office of Student Academic Success  Advising, Support and Resources  Disability Resource Center  Speak with them about possible accommodations  ACCESS  Tutoring Centers –Douglas Hall, New Hall or Library  Librarians  Professor (s)

Mistakes in Communicating  Making assumptions  Relying on others to convey our message  Mind reading  Not listening or asking questions  Being vague in explaining thoughts or concerns

Effective Communication Strategies Assertive – Expressing your thoughts, feelings and wishes without ignoring those of others Saying “No” in a way that respects both yourself and others Passive – Not feeling you have a right to feelings or opinions or the right to express yourself Agreeing with whatever others say Aggressive – Expressing yourself with an attitude of intimidation Name-calling, yelling, interrupting, sarcasm-little regard for the rights of others Passive-Aggressive – Not expressing yourself openly, being indirect Being silent about what you want, think or feel

Counseling & Student Development Center We are open 8:00 am – 4:30 pm – Monday through Friday Walk-in hours: 11am – 3:30 pm Mon-Fri Services are FREE and Confidential Individual and group counseling On-call Counseling/After hour crisis intervention Animal Assisted Therapy

Counseling & Student Development Center Our waiting room Campus Life Building 2 nd Floor Welcome, how may I help you?

Break Please return to your seats in 10 mins.

Cooperating Teacher Panel Moderator – Dr. James Cohen, Assistant Professor, Literacy Education, NIU Speakers- Ms. Gail Cappaert, ESL Teacher, DeKalb High School, DeKalb District 428 Mr. Scott Horlock, Biology Teacher, Sycamore High School, Sycamore District 427 Ms. DeAnda McNeil, Elementary Teacher, Founders Elementary School, DeKalb District 428 Ms. Jennifer Bubrick, Special Education, Dixon USD 170, Dixon, IL Ms. Kelli Hamilton, Middle School Teacher, Clinton Rosette Middle School, DeKalb, IL

Helpful Information for Educators Google: “ERIC Clearinghouse” for several Educator options/grade levels

Licensure Procedures and Policies Dr. Jenny Parker Acting Associate Vice Provost for Educator Licensure and Preparation Northern Illinois University

Certification / Licensure Stories 1.Late Larry – completed program nine years ago but did not register and just sent me an (last month) asking what he needs to do to get his certificate turned active. 2.Eager Erin – didn’t want to wait for NIU to run all of its proper checks and processes so sent an application to the state and paid the fee for an evaluation. 3.Summary Sam – went on to ELIS and processed certification without checking to make sure all of his endorsements were correct and complete. 4.Inattentive Iris – sitting in the back today, doing the crossword puzzle or checking , not paying attention and attempting to self-advise.

Important ISBE Websites Illinois State Board of Education: Illinois State Board of Education: Link to: Educator Licensure Information System Webinar. Click on, “Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) Training for Educators June 14, 2013” This webinar will give details on how to access and use ELIS to track your licensure status.

Illinois State Board of Education: Link to : ELIS for Educators, click on “Educator Credentials” at top of screen, then click on “Educator Access” Here you will create your account and see information regarding your status as an Educator. Regional Office of Education: Important Links: “FAQs” and “Services”

Important Updates 1.Endorsement qualifications and Endorsement Forms are found on the UOTC webpage. 2.APT Test …before program completion– you will not graduate and/or be entitled without this. 3.BST/TAP validity is ten years, all other tests (content, APT) is five, but…

To Apply for Certification 1.Go to the Online Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) and set up / log in to your account. 2.Work with your program’s coordinator to fill out the proper NIU paperwork (Endorsement Applications) for the initial license and all endorsements for which you have taken the appropriate coursework. 3.Pass student teaching with exemplary ratings! 4.At the time of recommendation by NIU to ISBE has been made, you will receive an stating you are able to apply for your license by following the links and instructions on ELIS.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions 1.You must send ISBE an official copy of all university-level transcripts. 2.You must wait until NIU recommends you. 3.You must have your Illinois license and it must be registered in Illinois before you can go to another state (each state has their own rules; you must consult their state certification/licensure boards for information). 4.To add additional endorsements to your existing license you will have to go through ISBE or the ROE directly, NIU does not do this once the initial license is issued. NIU can never process an ELL or ESL endorsement directly; you must go to an ROE or ISBE. 5.Applying for a substitute license also requires a BA or BS degree; so you should wait on this as well. Sometimes if there are two pending certificates, the substitute license process can impede the initial license process.

Additional Information 1.Student teaching is one long job interview! Think of yourself as being in the profession now. 2.Begin working on your resume and applications now, as you go throughout student teaching! Keep a record of achievements and activities while student teaching for putting into your applications. 3.Career Services is an excellent resource for information on applying for jobs, writing resumes, cover letters, and responding to application questionnaires. See for info. 4.If you get a teaching position, please register that position with Career Services on their website and notify your Program Coordinator.

Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools: Illinois Education Job Bank: Annual Professional Development Conference: This conference is held at Pheasant Run in St. Charles each year. Professional Development and Job Opportunities

Wrap-up and Evaluation Please complete & return to the check-in table before leaving today.