· The student prepares for the
experience by completing courses in theory on the campus of Northern
State University. Student teaching is an opportunity to apply those
theories in a practical setting. At this level, prospective teachers
will have tasks related to working with individual children, small
groups of children, and large groups of children. The student, with
the guidance of the cooperating teacher, will develop daily plans as
well as a thematic unit for children. There should be an emphasis on
developing learning aids to help students acquire specific
curriculum objectives.
· Prospective teachers working
with children in the above settings will be responsible for helping
to plan daily and weekly programs. Prospective teachers will be
observing, participating, and teaching in many different areas of
the curriculum. During the first week, students will observe, become
acquainted with the children, and do small tasks. This is a
transition period in which the student will gradually begin with one
area of curriculum and by implementing the planning and the
procedures of the teacher will add areas and work through the
curriculum until all areas have been covered.
· A number of teaching
responsibilities need to be completed successfully with the class
before the full time responsibility is assumed. Toward the end of
the student teaching period, the student should be allowed to do
teaching on her/his own depending on the student's ability. The
cooperating teacher will gradually take charge of the class to make
a smooth transition back to the regular routine.
· Early Childhood Student Teaching
provides the student teacher with the opportunity to experience the
obligations and responsibilities of the classroom teacher. Since the
student teacher will be regarded as a teacher by the students and
their parents, it is expected that the student teacher will conduct
himself/herself as a professional at all times. It is imperative for
the college student to realize that the experience in the public
schools as well as those in the community are a privilege. A
positive experience is the shared responsibility of the teacher and
the student. While the student teacher is a help to the teacher and
brings exciting and challenging materials and ideas to the students
(and teacher), the teacher must rearrange her/his schedule and plan
accordingly. It is important for the student to realize the
cooperating teacher is extending herself or himself by participating
in this program.