School Experiences

School Experiences

The privilege of making observations and participating in public school classrooms is given with the understanding that the observer will act in an ethical and professional manner. The following requirements should be carefully observed in all situations except when, under special circumstances, requirements are changed by the school principal, the Coordinator of Teacher Education, and/or your University instructor.

The College of Education will arrange for your observation or school experience in conjunction with each class you take which has a PLE component. You do not make these arrangements yourself and you cannot alter these arrangements.

After you have received permission to observe, contact the school principal to make arrangements for your observation or follow the directions provided by your instructor.

PROCEDURES:

The proper procedure for visitation will be discussed by the Coordinator of Teacher Education in a meeting with all prospective education students during the Professional Educator course each term.
Each student will receive further instructions regarding such individual visits from his/her University instructor(s).
Each observation or teaching experience is to be reported on a Report of Professional Laboratory Experience form. It is the student's responsibility to obtain and complete the PLE verification and obtain the signatures of the individuals supervising the activity.
Students may use their Troy University student identification card, a letter from the office of Teacher Education, or from the student's University instructor for identification purpose.
Students are reminded they are guests in the schools and must abide by the rules and regulations of the school and the university.

The privilege of making observations is granted on the expectancy that the observer will act in a professional manner. Students are, therefore, responsible for presenting themselves in a professional light.

INSTRUCTIONS for students to remember as they observe:

Always report directly to the office of the principal as a matter of courtesy and security.
The principal, or someone he or she designates, will assist you. The principal will want to know the purpose of the observation so that you can be directed to a classroom situation that will best meet your needs.
You must comply with all school policies. Schools may have sign-in logs, visitor's badges, or parking regulations you will be expected to observe. Additionally, your university supervisor for the experience may have requirements concerning sign-in logs, attendance dates and times, etc.
Your first visit in a school should be to get the "feel" of the total situation, unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
Subsequent visits should be for the purpose of finding out about specific concerns. These visits should be preceded by the development of specific questions to which you hope to find the answer or lessons you will teach.
Go directly to the classroom or area designated by the principal. Do not go to any other area unless the principal has given prior approval.
Upon concluding your observation, you should again report to the principal's office to let the office personnel know you are leaving the premises and sign-out if required. You are not expected to discuss your observation with the principal.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU:

Dress appropriately. The principal will not permit you to wear anything that will disrupt the class or call undue attention to your presence. YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WEAR SHORTS, JEANS, CAPRIS, WARM-UP COLOTHING, T-SHIRTS, SUNDRESSES, TANK TOPS, BASEBALL CAPS, OR TENNIS SHOES, FOR ANY SHCOOL ACTIVITY UNLESS SPECIFIED AS APPROPRIATE DRESS BY YOUR UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR.
Drive slowly and carefully in a school area. Be sure to park in an area reserved for visitors or the area specified by the school's principal.
Do not fraternize with the students unless invited to do so by a schoolteacher or an administrator.
Move in and out of classrooms during class breaks or at the end of a period. Movement at other times may be disruptive.
Introduce yourself to the teacher in charge of the classroom activity.
Do not use the lunchroom unless specifically invited by a teacher or an administrator.
Do not smoke or chew gum on the school premises.
Act in a dignified and reserved manner. Keep in mind that your observation is professional in nature.
Avoid commenting on any pupil. Remember, you are a guest.
Remember the laws concerning the privacy of student information and records! Keep confidential information confidential.
Refrain from discussing the observation with anyone except your University supervisor(s), the Associate Dean of the College of Education, or the Coordinator of Teacher Education.
Use good taste and discretion in the kinds of reactions you demonstrate with regard to the school or its facilities, learners, faculty, etc. Answer questions tactfully. Remember, you are there to learn.
Remember that success as a teacher and as a person is related to how you react to situations you observe. Keep in mind that you are a "late comer" to the scene and that you do not have all the facts which have prompted the action you are observing

REMEMBER: YOUR SENSE OF COMMON COURTESY AND YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF RIGHT AND WRONG ARE PROBABLY YOUR BEST GUIDES!