Teacher candidates spend the equivalent of one day per week for two semesters in a classroom, observing and assisting small groups of students. Phase III Field Experiences relate to the culminating semester of student teaching. Both of the following foundation courses must be taken prior to the Curriculum and Instruction Courses. Secondary education students may teach during fall semester only. Students may not enroll in other courses besides EDUC 411 and EDUC 412 during the student teaching semester.
Student teaching requires enormous mental, physical, and emotional energy.
The department also strongly discourages student employment during student teaching for the same reasons. Frederick County and Montgomery County serve as the primary locations for student teaching. Twice during a students time in the teacher education program, he or she submits a portfolio. Students begin to prepare an Initial Developmental Portfolio during EDUC 204. Within the portfolio will be artifacts presented by the student that show performance progress toward meeting the Ten Essential Dimensions of Teaching .