The objective of this assignment is to create a document, a contract if you will, which will act as the "plan" for student teaching for the winter and spring.  It should communicate the process and procedure for the student teacher’s development as an educator in the classroom of their practicum experience.  As it is a contract of sorts, it is to be developed by the student teacher, mentor and supervisor, so as to promote this communication and state expectations explicitly.  In addition, it will provide a basis for growth and progress of the student teacher’s experience for the supervisor, so as to better assist this individual in promoting the student teacher’s development as an educator. 

The plan for student teaching should contain three main elements which we feel are key to understanding the processes which will  go on during the student teaching process.  They are: 

• Time schedule for the year, detailing the role and expectations of the student teacher on a weekly or curricular basis (unit by unit) within each of the classes of the mentor’s schedule.  Included should be expectations for roles during non-teaching times and a schedule for periodic observation and evaluation of the student teacher.
• Communication process and schedule for the term of the student teaching assignment.  This should describe the routine to discuss progress of the student teacher between all parties involved and should include a regular time for communication between mentors and student teachers about daily practice and debriefing regarding events enacted within the classroom.
• Evaluation process for the student teaching experience.  This should include an approximate schedule for supervisor visits, a plan for informal and formal evaluation of the progress of the student teacher by the mentor, students, and outside parties, and expectations for the process of evaluation of the student teacher’s progress.

 

The document for such a plan need not be long and greatly detailed, especially within the schedule element of the plan.  It is intended to act as an outline for the communication between student teachers, mentors, and supervisors; a work in progress. 

The MAC program faculty will be making some visits to your schools and classrooms in order to further communication within the program.  If there are any questions or concerns regarding the development of this plan or its specific elements, we would be happy to meet with anyone to resolve these concerns.  We look forward to a productive and fulfilling experience for our new teachers.

For a sample plan (in Acrobat format), click here.