GENERAL OVERVIEW OF FIELD EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCE
METHODS
PRACTICUM
DESCRIPTION OF
EXPERIENCE:
Interns observe, gather data,
interact and possibly assist
with individual and small
group instruction, and may
teach a few mini-lessons with
extensive guidance from
mentor. Course instructor
provides syllabus with
required assignments and/or
suggested task list.
Interns observe and assist with
individual and small group
instruction, engage in extensive coplanning and co-teaching with
mentor, then move to independent
lesson and unit planning leading up
to extended period of independent
teaching time (typically one-two
weeks). Important to have time
between teaching experiences for
reflection. Note that practicum
interns are not “part-time student
teachers.” This is often first time
for interns to write and deliver
lessons, and they require a lot of
guidance.
Brief period of observation with
steady increase of responsibilities.
Intern bears full load of mentor
teacher responsibilities for
approximately 10 weeks. Intern
gains experience creating and
grading assessments. Mentor is
always available and continues to
provide feedback and encourage
reflection.
Mentor models effective
instructional practices, offers
orientation to classroom and
school, and provides time and
resources for interns to
complete syllabus
requirements. If required by
course instructor, provides
feedback on intern progress.
Mentor models effective
instructional practices, offers
orientation to classroom and
school, engages in extensive coplanning and co-teaching with
intern, provides materials and
advice for intern’s lesson plans, and
facilitates reflections on
experience. Completes formal
observations and evaluations as
required by CSU. Writes letter of
recommendation or completion for
intern at end of experience.
Mentor models effective
instructional practices, offers
orientation to classroom and
school, provides materials and
advice for intern’s lesson plans, and
fosters intern’s independent
teaching with minimal co-teaching.
Completes formal observations and
evaluations as required by CSU.
Writes letter of recommendation or
completion for intern at end of
experience.
Field experiences range from
20-70 hours over 10 weeks.
Some experiences require
specific days/times, others
arranged in cooperation with
mentor teacher.
Usually 4 mornings a week (15-16
hours/ week) for entire semester.
Should include 12 hours
instructional time and 3-4 hours
planning time. Some licensure
areas require split experiences (half
semester at one site, half at
different site).
5 full days a week for entire
semester (15 weeks), following
mentor teacher’s schedule and
time obligations. Interns expected
to attend faculty meetings, open
houses, parent-teacher
conferences, etc. Some licensure
areas require split experiences.
INTERN
DESCRIPTION OF
EXPERIENCE:
MENTOR
EXPERIENCE
SCHEDULE
STUDENT TEACHING
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF FIELD EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCE
GRADE
MENTOR
GUIDELINES
COMPENSATION
FOR MENTOR
TEACHER
METHODS
PRACTICUM
STUDENT TEACHING
Letter grade assigned by
course instructor.
Intern earns letter grade, assigned
by University supervisor, based on
supervisor and mentor
observations/evaluations, syllabus
assignments, and portfolio. Interns
in practicum must earn a grade of B
or higher to progress to student
teaching.
Intern earns a grade of
“Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory,”
assigned by University supervisor,
based on supervisor and mentor
observations/evaluations, syllabus
assignments, and portfolio. Intern
must earn “Satisfactory” to pass
student teaching and apply for
teaching license.
Mentor teachers must have
appropriate licensure and
have at least one year
teaching experience
Mentor teachers must have
appropriate licensure and have
minimum of three years of teaching
experience including one year in
field of study for this experience
Mentor teachers must have
appropriate licensure and have
minimum of three years of teaching
experience including one year in
field of study for this experience
Mentor teachers not paid
stipend but eligible for up to
$200 mini-grant for classroom
projects and/or educational
supplies
$300 – full practicum (full
semester)
$300– full student teaching (full
semester)
$150 – half practicum (half
semester)
$150 – half student teaching (half
semester)
Payment processed according to
district/school policy.
Payment processed according to
district/school policy.