Welcome Teacher Candidates… Fall 2012

“It is how you begin that is most important.” …Plato

KU Trivia …  Founded in ?  Founded as ?  1928 …  1960 …  1983 …

Why Do YOU Want to Teach?  Passion of subject  Passion for the “Teaching Way of Life” ~ desire to serve others  Influence on Teacher-Learning Process  Positive influence a teacher may have had on YOU

Practical Benefits of Teaching…  Hours & ‘mini’ vacations year round  Flexibility  Salaries are Increasing  Medical Insurance  Retirement

Challenges of Teaching…  Long working hours  High Stakes Testing  Continuing your own education  2002 NCLB Act  Tech-savy students  Time commitment

Society’s Expectations of Teachers… o Trustworthy o Competent & Effective o Help ALL learners succeed o Know and utilize ‘best practices’ o Be Accountable o Safe learning environment o Equalize educational opportunity

Job Outlook… District cuts due to economic recession Tenure - 3 years of satisfactory work Demand: teachers of color, w/disabilities, by region & specialty Relocate to find positions

Your Role & Responsibilities as a Teacher Candidate

As As Teacher Candidates You Are… “Invited guests” in the school Expected to follow all ‘school rules & policies’ To follow same time schedule as faculty To observe professional dress & demeanor at all times To attend faculty meetings, conferences & in- service if possible To develop, implement & evaluate lessons to enhance student learning

The first day…  Be prompt…early is better !  Carry original background checks  Wear your KU ID  Become actively involved  Open a line of communication with your co-op

Dress Code…  Professionally dressed at all times  No short skirts or dresses  Nothing revealing  Piercings – NONE on nose, face, tongue  Tattoos – covered if asked  Follow district guidelines

Attendance…  Expected every day; punctual  Check expected faculty arrival/dismissal time  Absent: Notify co-op, supervisor, clinical experience office, building secretary Teaching materials brought to school Doctor’s note – 3 days or more Extended absences may be made up  No PERSONAL DAYS You may NOT serve as a substitute !

Schedule …  Weekly schedule given to supervisor at every practicum  Follow KU lesson plan  Supervisor observations based on schedule  Keep supervisor appraised of any changes  Wednesday – Tuesday cycle  LESSON PLAN for EVERY LESSON TAUGHT No plan = no teaching of lesson!

Knowledge & Skill Needed by Today’s Teacher … 1.Self-Knowledge 2.Knowledge of students 3.Subject knowledge 4.Knowledge of how to use educational theory & research 5.Technology integration

Practicum Designed to Compliment Clinical Experience

Why Practicum ? 1.To provide support through collaboration with other Teacher Candidates 2.To share innovative ideas from the field 3.To help transfer theory into practice 4.To develop professionally 5.To be prepared to seek a professional position

Practicum Schedule Elementary & Special Education Majors  Attend practicum every Tuesday  Meet from 4:00-5:00  November 1 st Professional Development Day Secondary, Art, Music & Library Majors  Attend practicum every Tuesday  Meet from 3:00- 5:00 PM

Special Practicum Teacher candidates should leave school in sufficient time to arrive safely on campus. El Ed & Sp Ed will attend one full day of Professional Development on campus.

Role of Your Cooperating Teachers  Cooperating teachers.. “…are the most important people in the student teachers’ professional lives. They determine the attitudes student teachers carry into retirement.”  Provide the following:  Sound advice  A positive perspective  Professional modeling  Encouragement  Perspective  Letter of Recommendation

Building trust… Growth - incremental, gradual & personal View your role as supportive Listen actively, reflectively and empathetically Focus on descriptive comments State desirable behaviors in positive terms Provide frequent feedback Provide opportunity to practice new skills in a low-risk atmosphere

Co-op’s Role in Supervision Communication  Key to success  Daily feedback  Weekly planning & discussion  Informal conversation  No surprises ! Expectations  Teacher Candidates need to know expectations  Avoid mixed messages regarding your expectations  Keep supervisor informed

Schedules Weekly schedules handed in at practicum Supervisors schedule visitations based on schedule Schedule runs on Wednesday through Tuesday cycle Planning Plan expected for every lesson taught Co-op initials every plan Co-op to make suggestions / revisions No plan = no teaching of lesson

Observation Process Observation Three (3) observations required Reflection: Strengths Weaknesses Areas of improvement Review with you and supervisor Final Observation Complete & submit electronically Submit letter of reference on district letterhead Review with Teacher Candidate

To access KU website … teacher candidates departments academics

User Name & Password cooptchrG0Bears0

Getting started… Get Teacher Candidate involved from day 1  Week One  Observe more than teach – Start slowly  Weeks Two-five  2 ND – 6 TH week – pick up more responsibility each day  7 TH – 8 TH week – responsible for 100% of class activity

Role of KU Supervisor Liaison between cooperating teacher & university Maintain open line of communication Share goals and expectations of the College of Education with cooperating school and teacher Share any concerns which may arise

Thank you!