3.1e Library Media Practicum Mentor Contract
SSLS 819: Practicum in Educational Technology
Department of Special Services & Leadership Studies
Pittsburg State University
Contract for Practicum Mentor
Role of Practitioner/Mentor: The University relies on area practitioners to assist in the
development of the Educational Technology candidate through the practicum experience.
The practitioner acts as a mentor by sharing his/her skills and knowledge while directing
the activities of the practicum candidate. This relationship yields benefits to the
practicum candidate, the mentor and Pittsburg State University.
Duties of the Mentor:
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Conduct weekly meetings with the practicum candidate;
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Work with the practicum candidate in defining the appropriate activities
and responsibilities in which the candidate will be involved;
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Ensure increasing levels of responsibilities for the practicum candidate
over the duration of the practicum;
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Provide feedback to the practicum coordinator regarding the practicum
candidate's progress and effectiveness;
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Perform an overall evaluation of the practicum candidate at the end of the
practicum, including a recommendation for a course grade.
Standards for Library Media: Candidates in this program have integrated Kansas
library media standards throughout this program. Program supervisors want them to
continue to integrate standards throughout their practicum experience, and we also expect
them to integrate the Standards for the 21st Century Learners, NETS and other relevant
standards. Candidates are prepared for such integration.
1. The library media specialist applies the principles of library and information
studies to create effective, integrated library media programs.
2. The library media specialist integrates information literacy through collaboration,
planning, implementation, and assessment of learning.
3.1e Library Media Practicum Mentor Contract
3. The library media specialist applies knowledge of learning styles and of human
growth and development.
4. The library media specialist provides equitable access to and effective use of
technologies and innovations.
5. The library media specialist plans, develops, implements, manages, and evaluates
the library media program.
6. The library media specialist upholds professional ethics and promotes equity and
diversity.
7. The library media specialist recognizes the role of the library media program
within the community.
Practicum Coordinator: The university professor who supervises and evaluates the
overall practicum experience, working with the mentor and the practicum candidate. Dr.
Sue Stidham and Mrs. Michelle Hudiburg are currently the coordinators for Library
Media. Please do not hesitate to contact either one at any point in this practicum
experience.
Purposes of the Practicum Experience: The purpose of the practicum is to place the
candidate in a setting where he/she can both observe and participate in the management
and operation of a school library. A field experience of 120 hours is required at the level
for which the candidate is seeking certification. In addition, various course projects are
assigned which cause the candidate to be actively involved and not merely an observer of
school library activities. These projects are defined in the practicum syllabus and the
candidate can share these with you upon request.
Prerequisites for the Practicum Candidate: To enroll as a candidate in Practicum in
Educational Technology, the candidate should have:
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Completed nearly all of the course work required for the master's degree;
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Obtained written permission from his/her supervisor indicating that
release time or other accommodations will be made in the practicum
candidate's schedule to participate in practicum activities;
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Received permission of the practicum coordinator, Dr. Sue Stidham or
Mrs. Michelle Hudiburg.
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Agreed to follow the practicum guidelines to complete the practicum.
3.1e Library Media Practicum Mentor Contract
Role of the Practicum Candidate: The role of the practicum candidate is to complete
the activities and projects defined within the course syllabus. The practicum candidate
will serve initially as an assistant to the mentor, but during the practicum, move to a role
which can best be described as partner, peer, and colleague.
Pittsburg State University Graduate Knowledge Base: Becoming a library media
specialist is contingent upon more than simply understanding standards. The College of
Education created a knowledge base to establish a foundational basis upon which to
evaluate candidates in each of the various fields before graduation. As a mentor, you will
evaluate your candidate in each of these areas:
Professionalism: The educator will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and
behaviors which reflect a commitment to a dependable and professional demeanor.
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Acts with integrity and fairness in an ethical manner*
Demonstrates commitment to life-long learning
Participates in ongoing professional development
Demonstrates professional behavior*
Sets priorities through self-motivation and self-direction
Maintains confidentiality at all levels*
Communication: The educator will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and
behaviors which promote effective communication.
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Utilizes multiple collaborative strategies necessary in developing effective
learning opportunities for all
Demonstrates a high level of proficiency in oral and written
communication skills
Adapts to a variety of unique cultural and ethnic communication styles*
Practices effective interpersonal skills that enhance communication*
Leadership: The educator will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and
behaviors which exhibit leadership competencies.
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Demonstrates the ability to make decisions based upon data and input
from stakeholders
Adheres to ethical and professional standards
Transforms ideas into action through effective team building
Utilizes a variety of problem-solving strategies and possesses strong
critical thinking abilities
Prioritizes tasks and manages time efficiently
Instruction and Assessment: The educator will demonstrate specific attitudes, values,
beliefs and behaviors which reflect advocating, nurturing and sustaining best practices
and multiple assessments.
3.1e Library Media Practicum Mentor Contract
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Possesses pedagogical knowledge relevant to specific disciplines
Provides for instructional variation and integration with other disciplines
Establishes goals and expectations that lead to effective learning
Inspires all learners to develop self confidence and competence*
Demonstrates specialized preparation in specific area of study
Differentiates instruction appropriately for specific needs of learners*
Expects all candidates will achieve full potential and attain individual
success*
Evaluates candidate knowledge and performance by using multiple
methods of assessment
Utilizes assessment outcomes to develop instruction that meets the needs
of all candidates*
Adheres to ethical and unbiased assessment practices*
Diversity: The educator will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors
which provide equitable learning opportunities for all.
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Demonstrates sensitivity to community and cultural norms*
Values candidates and encourages them to value self and others*
Promotes a bias free learning environment*
Believes in and encourages the success of all learners*
Appreciates individual variation and shows respect for the diverse talents
of all learners*
Responds appropriately to larger political, social, economic and cultural
issues through global awareness*
Technology: The educator will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and
behaviors which enhance the integration of technology within the educational
environment.
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Maximizes learning by using technology
Enhances the educational environment through technology
Implements various instructional technology strategies
Tailors appropriate technology strategies to a specific content area
Research: The educator will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors
which implements effective research within the educational environment.
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Uses existing educational research to inform and guide practice
Maintains ethical standards in both conducting and applying educational
research*
Identifies and solves problems by making decisions based upon accepted
theory and research
3.1e Library Media Practicum Mentor Contract
If you agree to serve as the mentor, please read the following statement and then
sign:
I am willing to serve as a mentor for a Pittsburg State University practicum candidate in
Educational Technology. I agree to provide the support and guidance necessary for the
candidate to have a successful experience. I have read the Educational Technology
Practicum Guide and agree to the responsibilities of the mentor as outlined in the guide.
Practicum
Candidate
Name:
Semester:
Date of
Contract:
Role of Practicum Candidate: (Briefly describe the responsibilities the candidate will
have associated with the practicum.)
Ex: Shelving, Cataloging, Teaching, Networking, Budgeting, etc.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Other
Practicum
Mentor
Name:
Title:
School District:
Contact Information:
Please call or email us anytime you need to talk!
Dr. Sue Stidham, jstidham@pittstate.edu 620 235-4024 or 918 533-5524
Mrs. Michelle Hudiburg mhurdibur@pittstate.edu 620 235-4507