Expectations and Responsibilities of the Student Teacher

Week by Week Student Teaching Timeline Template *

Pre-Student Teaching

  • Schedule an Observation/Orientation Time
  • Complete “School-Related Expectations for the Student Teacher”
  • Complete “Orienting Yourself to the School”

Weeks 1–2

  • Gather information on school (i.e., handbooks, maps, schedules, discipline policy, special education services and procedures). Get to know your way around.
  • Familiarize yourself with available district and community resources, including special resources.
  • Meet with clinical faculty to discuss the required lesson plan formats.
  • Arrange a time with the clinical faculty to meet the cooperating teacher, principal, and special educators and support personnel on site.

Weeks 3–4

  • Discuss assessment practices with your cooperating teacher. Assist the cooperating teacher with current assessment efforts.
  • Meet with the cooperating teacher and plan for gradual assumption of teaching responsibilities.
  • Review “Reflection Questions for Self Evaluation of Teaching.”
  • Be sure you, the cooperating teacher and your clinical faculty have made a plan to ensure you have opportunities to demonstrate the competencies described on your evaluation form.

Weeks 5–6

  • Be sure to participate in at least one staff development/professional learning activity.
  • Attend scheduled student teacher seminars at Plymouth State University. This is a requirement.

Weeks 7–9

  • Review mid-term evaluation with your cooperating teacher and clinical faculty.
  • Confer regularly with your cooperating teacher regarding your performance, lesson planning and other appropriate topics.
  • Meet with assistant principal/principal to discuss observing your student teaching. (Request letter of recommendation, see week 10-14.)
  • Continue to assume additional responsibilities as appropriate.
  • Remember, work in accordance with your cooperating teacher’s contract hours. You should be available to serve duty with your cooperating teacher, attend faculty/staff meetings and in-service events, and participate in other appropriate professional activities.

Weeks 10–13

  • Enjoy your independent (solo) teaching opportunity!
  • Request letters of recommendation (from the cooperating teacher, principal and superintendent, if possible).
  • Arrange for gradual transition of class(es) back to cooperating teacher.
  • Attend scheduled student teacher seminars at Plymouth State University. This is a requirement.

Week 14

  • Review final evaluation with your cooperating teacher and clinical faculty.
* This is a general guideline. Art, music, health and physical education majors have two eight week placements. The timeline would reflect these condensed placements.

Outstanding Students

Ava Tyler

Ava Tyler

 
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What do you like best about your major/academic program?

“I love that the professors are so willing to get to know me and help me out in avenues outside of their classroom. They want to see me succeed. Their excitement and energy about the subject matter is contagious.”

What is your favorite place to hang out on campus? Off campus?

“On campus my favorite place is definitely the HUB. There is always something going on there, even in the dead of winter! When I’m off campus I love hiking and with so many hikes close it is hard to pick just one favorite.”

If you could choose one favorite thing about going to school here, what would it be?

“Location: You can’t ask for better east coast skiing. With three mountains so close it is possible to go to class in the morning and head up to the mountain for some afternoon skiing. Every outdoor recreational activity you could possibly want to do is possible in Plymouth, be it hiking, rock climbing, or paddling. Being two hours outside of Boston is also key—it’s nice to have city life close too if you need a weekend escape.”

~Ava
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