DO YOU WANT TO KNOW
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT
OBSERVATIONS
PURPOSE
We are here to educate you over
the process of conducting
classroom observations
Presentation By:
Ashley Stokes
Wendell Martin
Melissa Paulette
Jessica Janis
Maral Azodinia
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
Required Amount of Hours
•State requirement is 45 hours
•30 Hours in Content Area
Letter of Observation
•Letter from your professors showing he or
she requires a specific amount of hours of
observation for that course
GETTING STARTED
School Selection
•UHV will not find the school for you
•It is your responsibility
Schedule an Appointment
•Do not just contact school or walk in
without having an appointment in advance
GETTING STARTED
PROCESS
PROCESS
District Policy and Procedures
•Each district is different
•Go to the district websites (Human
Resources Dept.) and search for student
observation
PROCESS
Direct Links
Katy ISD
•http://www.katyisd.org/dept/hr/Documents/ACP%20Observ
ation%20Requests.pdf
Fort Bend ISD
•http://www.fortbendisd.com/departments/humanresources/student-teacher-observation-hours
Spring Branch ISD
•http://cms.springbranchisd.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=X
dL--0Rfy2w%3D&tabid=28747
PROCESS
Direct Links
Aleif ISD
•http://www.aliefisd.net/groups/departments/Human%20Res
ources
Cy Fair ISD
•http://www.cfisd.net/humanres/university/Student%20Obse
rvation%20Passes.pdf
Klein ISD
•http://www.kleinisd.net/default.aspx?name=hrprs.home
PROCESS
Text Box
PROCESS
Paperwork that the Districts May Require
•Observation Guidelines form
•Observation Information Sheet
•Criminal History Records Form
•Letter or syllabus for course requirements
related to classroom observations
•Texas ID
PROCESS
•Submit your application, it takes between
2 days to 2 weeks for approval
•They may provide a list of schools which
accept observers or you may get to choose
•Contact the school for an appointment
PROCESS
•If they don’t return your call, CALL AGAIN
•They will ask the teachers who are willing
to accommodate an observer in their class
• It may take 3 weeks so don't wait
PROCESS
Restrictions
•Some schools don’t condone observations
on Fridays
•There are no observations on test days
•Some school will only allow a limited
amount of observation hours
PROCESS
Beginning of Observation
•Park in visitor section
•Sign in at the Main Office
•Receive visitor badge
•Show up in between class periods, never
interrupt a class
•Ask instructor where to sit
PROCESS
PROCESS
Issues that May Arise
•Not completing hours before student
teaching
•Districts not allowing observation done
during the summer session
•Some accredited private schools may not
allow any observations at all
OBSERVATION
REPORTS
OBSERVATION REPORTS
Read the instructions your instructor gives
Identify what you need to be observing
Make sure the report is formatted in the
manner your instructor wants
OBSERVATION REPORTS
Take detailed notes
•Take a picture or draw classroom setup
•Consider things written on the boards and
posters and images on the walls
•List classroom management techniques
•Opening and closing assignments
•State the name of the teacher, grade level,
subject, class time, how many students
•Clearly describe class procession and
transitions used
PROFESSIONALISM
PROFESSIONALISM
Never forget your role
Remember, you are a guest
You are there to learn
Ask if you can help
Ask if they have a lesson plan that you
may keep
• Thank the teacher both before and after
the class
•
•
•
•
PROFESSIONALISM
Some teachers may be uncomfortable with
others in the classroom.
If classroom clues indicate there is not
much time for you or are uncomfortable
with you, do not get involved
PROFESSIONALISM
If you have some specialized information
that may help the students, let the teacher
know and offer to share it
You are there to observe, but some
teachers may want you to aid them or
participate in small matters
PROFESSIONALISM
Remember, you may be looking for work at
this school later. Dress for a job interview
Do not forget to send a thank you email
directly to the principle and CC the teacher
PROFESSIONALISM
Be the best that
you can be
Never stop
working to improve