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TEACHER
CADET
Instructor:
Ms. Blatner
Contact Information:
blatner@aps.edu, 296-4871, x 35147
Course Credit: 1 year, 1 credit
Course Schedule: 6th hour
Course Description: This course is an introduction and orientation to the teaching profession.
Students study the history, development, organization and practices of preschool, elementary, and
secondary education. Students are exposed to teaching careers and the educational system through
class discussions, participation in public classrooms (internship and observations) and interactions with
teachers and administrators. It is taught under an agreement between Eldorado High School and
the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) located in Rock Hill,
South Carolina.
Terminal Objectives: The objectives for Teacher Cadet are based on the standards found in the
South Carolina Teacher Cadet Curriculum Standards. Students who successfully complete Teacher
Cadet with a passing grade of 70% or higher will have demonstrated the abilities, concepts,
knowledge, and skills required to do the following:
1.
Identify characteristics of self as a learner (e.g. learning styles, multiple intelligences)
2. Explain the concept of self-esteem regarding the learner
3. Identify and explain the stages of human growth and development
4. Identify the components of effective groups
5. Recognize barriers to learning and develop methods of dealing with these problems effectively
6. Distinguish between effective and ineffective teaching
7. Explain and demonstrate the process of teaching
8. Identify and utilize various methods of instruction
9. Participate in an extended field experience assisting a teacher with individual tutoring, group
monitoring and tutoring, and whole class instruction
10. Research the history and development of education in the public schools
11. Distinguish between various alternatives to public education—private schools, home schooling,
etc.
12. Explain the structure/organization of a school and a school district
13. Research on the Internet and debate in class various educational issues
14. Explain how individuals and schools react to and handle the need for change
15. Develop one’s own vision of the transformation of education
Grading, Student Records, and Homework: Student progress is assessed during each grading
period of the course. Methods of demonstration, modeling, teamwork in pairs and small groups,
hands-on activities, projects—research, computer, camcorder or multi-media, speakers,
presentations, tests, readings, essays, participation, and self-evaluations will be used for assessment.
The field experience will be assessed through journal writing, lesson plans, and a portfolio.
A= 90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
F=59 and below
Major Course Assignments:

Presentation of quote, news article and journal

Development of a brochure for parent/life line/ preschool model

Develop a barrier big book for elementary students / puppet show

attend an APS school board meeting or PTSO meeting

Observation summary sheets for pre-K, elementary, middle and high school observations

daily journal for internships

Teacher evaluations

UNM / CNM Education Field Trip

Field Experience portfolio
COURSE CALENDAR / TIMELINE
August - December
Theme 1: Experiencing Learning
Unit 1: Awareness & reflection
Unit 2: Styles and Needs (1 OBSERVATION)
Unit 3: Growth and Development (5 OBSERVATIONS)
January-April
Theme 3: Experiencing the Classroom
Unit 1: Observation and Preparation
Unit 2: Application and Instruction ( 8 WK. INTERNSHIP)
Unit 3: Analysis and Reflection
- SAY, MAY, FLAY Lessons
April – May
Theme 2: Experiencing the Profession
Unit 1: History and Trends
Unit 2: Structure & Governance
Unit 3: Certification and Employment (FIELD TRIP)
- UNM / CNM College of Education Field Trip
REQUIRED READING:

“Self Worth: The Pot Nobody Watches” by Virginia Satir

Children’s books on self esteem – book list provided

“The Self Esteem Fraud: Feel Good Education Does Not Lead to Academic Success”
(abridged) by Nina H. Shokraii

“The Hurried Child” (abridged) by Dr. David Elkind

Short stories and novels about pre-adolescents and adolescents – book list provided
Homework Policy: Students are expected to finish required daily written work and reading
assignments for homework if the work is not completed in class. You WILL have assignments that will
need to be completed outside of the class hour.
Make-up Policy: Students are expected to make up previously announced tests or turn in
previously assigned projects the day they return to class. For all other work, they have 2 days to
make up the work that they missed.
Class Procedures and Class/School Rules: Students are advised to follow the rules and
procedures, as well as the expectations, for the class. The Teacher Cadet instructor will explain those
procedures as part of lesson assignments.
Attendance/Tardy Policy: The policies are set forth by the school. See your student handbook for
details.
Off Campus Pass / Transportation: Students are responsible for providing their own
transportation to/from local schools for classroom observations and internship. Documentation, proof
of insurance and parent permission slips are required before students can leave campus. In addition,
an off campus pass must be secured from the activities office and worn at ALL TIMES before leaving
campus.
School Rules about Misbehavior: The school and district clearly outline school rules and policies
governing student behavior. For a first offense, the student will be issued a verbal warning; at the
second offense, he/she will receive a parent phone call home; at the third offense, the student will
receive a written referral which may include a conference with an administrator.
Course Expectations:
1.
BRING DAILY: Students are responsible for bringing to class a three-ring binder, writing
utensils, and the handouts/materials announced for the day.
2. INTERNSHIP / OBSERVATION: In order to participate in the off campus observations and
internships at local elementary school, you MUST have signed parent permission slips, AND
a “B” or higher in the course.
3. GRADE CHANGES: The grade you receive is the grade you earn based on your class
participation and the quantity and quality of the work you turn in (or not). Please consider
minimum grade requirements for extra curricular activities and sports, as I will NOT make
any changes to your grades once they have been submitted so that you can participate in
any events for your team and/or club.
4. PHONES, ETC.: NO cell phones, MP3 players, CD players, etc. If I see them, I will confiscate
them and you can pick them up after school. Backpacks and purses are to be kept UNDER
your desk when you arrive.
5. Be ON TIME. You are a role model for your peers AND the children, be here on time and
ready to work and learn.
6. NO outside food or drinks. Period.
7. Be courteous & respectful of yourself, the teacher and your classmates.
a. Listen to each others complete thoughts before raising your hand to speak, limit “air
time”, double stomp, double clap FOR EVERYONE.
8. You MUST have your agenda in order to leave the class. No exceptions. (you may not
borrow another student’s agenda).