Unity students canoeing

Field Experiences

Classroom Observations, Practicum I and Practicum II, Student Teaching  


Fingerprinting:  Before you may work with individual public school students, you must be fingerprinted through the Maine Department of Education.  The cost is $55 to sign up on-line and an additional $15 to receive your approved certificate.  Fingerprinting occurs on Saturdays at different locations throughout the state.  For more information on how to sign up, download the Fingerprinting for Students form.  This will be updated each month.  You may also contact Angela Hardy, Assistant Director of Teacher Education, in South Coop 216 or via e-mail. 

 

Classroom Observations: 

Many of our education courses require students to complete observations within educational settings.  The professor will provide the student with guidance as to what to look for in regards to instruction, assessment, and classroom management and/or environment.  Any school observation requests should be made through the Office of Teacher Education in South Coop 216 or e-mail your request to Angela Hardy, Assistant Director of Teacher Education. 

Class Hours of Field Experience
Foundations of Education 12 hours
Instruction and Evaluation Design   5 hours
Education for Exceptional Children and Youth 10 hours
Educational Psychology   8 hours
Teaching Science in the Secondary Schools 12 hours

Forms needed:

Declaration of Interest 

Field Experience Observation Form

Field Experience Observation Form's Rubric 

 

Practicum I

Students are required to pass the Praxis I exam prior to participating in this experience. 

Students perform multiple observations in grade 7-12 public school science classrooms for a total of 25 hours.  Five hours of the total time may be spent working in extracurricular settings.    Students mainly observe and may participate in the classroom as tutors, lab assistants, or researchers.  During the weekly seminar, students will complete reflections as required for teacher certification.  They will also develop their professional portfolios and demonstrate understanding of the Maine State Standards for Initial Teacher Certification. 

Forms needed:

Practicum I Evaluation Form 

 

Practicum II

This practicum is designed to further develop students' expertise as a teacher.  It is a combination of weekly seminars and at least 25 hours of field experience in the grades 7-12 classroom.  It is strongly recommended that students complete Practicum II at a different setting than they completed Practicum I.  This experience should be developmental, culminating in a teaching experience of at least 3-5 consecutive lessons developing a major science concept.   Students will work closely with their mentor/cooperating teacher to develop their teaching skills.  This is not just a course; it is a gateway to the profession!

Forms needed:

Practicum II Evaluation Form 

 

Student Teaching

Unity College studnets must complete a minimum of fifteen weeks of student teaching.  However, this fifteen week requirement does not include public school vacations.  Candidates are encouraged to spend some lead-time observing the classroom prior ot their student teaching experience.  Candidates seeking certification must formally apply for student teaching placements in the public schools and they are required to give the Teacher Education Program Office a minimum of three months notification.  Applications are necessary for candidates expecting to student teach and applications must be approved by the Teacher Education Committee.  In addition, each candidate must do the following:

1.  Take and receive passing scores on Praxis I.
2.  Successfully complete Practicum I and Practicum II.
3.  Take and receive a passing score on Praxis II.
4.  Submit the Student Teaching Application to the Director of hte program a minimum of three months prior to the expected student teaching experience.
5.  Provide Field Experience Logs for the required ninety-six hours of field experience in your portfolio.
6.  Provide at least two letters of recommendation; one from program staff/faculty and one from science faculty.  Additional letters of recommendation are optional.
7.  Complete an internal transcript review, either by the Director or Assistant Director of the Teacher Education Program.
8.  Present your portfolio to the Teacher Education Committee (provide evidence and artifacts of pre-professional experiences).
9.  Submit your portfolio to the committee for the Formal Review and comments.
10.  Meet with the committee for feedback and approval status.

Forms of Interest/Need:

Application to Student Teach 

Student Teacher's Responsibilities 

Student Teaching Evaluation Form 

 

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