Becoming a Student Teacher

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Becoming a Student Teacher

• The Application Process

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Welcome!

• The Office of Field Experiences (OFE) supports
  the mission of the School of Education and
  Professional Studies in the preparation of
  professionals for the elementary, secondary,
  special education, and K-12 settings.
• We look forward to working with you during this
  final stage of your professional program.

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Working Collaboratively

• In order to accomplish this mission, the Office
  must work collaboratively with CCSU
  faculty/departments to ensure that Teacher
  Candidates are prepared to apply principles of
  learning and assessment through a variety of
  technologies to guide our own best practice and
  that of practitioners in the profession.

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• In addition, the OFE must follow the placement
  practices of the school communities we work with
  as well as the mandates of the State Department
  of Education.
• Students MAY NOT secure their own student
  teaching placements.

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The OFE works hard to serve CCSU students
preparing to become Connecticut educators.

• DID YOU KNOW
• we make over 400 placements each academic year?
• we work with over 60 different school districts?
• we provide regular BEST trainings to Connecticut
  teachers in order to host a student teacher?

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Application Deadline

• All-level disciplines (K-12) including Special
  Education
• February 15 for the fall semester
• September 15 for the spring semester
• Secondary and Elementary
• March 1 for the fall semester
• October 1 for the spring semester

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The Student Teaching Application

• Applications can be found online at
• WWW.CCSU.EDU/OFE
• Applications must be downloaded and filled out
  using Word. No handwritten applications will be
  accepted.

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Applications also include

• Copies of transcripts (CCSU and any other
  institution unofficial OK).
• Letter of acceptance into the professional
  program.
• Current resume.
• Two essays
• Autobiographical Sketch
• Your goals for student teaching
• Be sure to have your essays proof-read by at
  least two other people.
• (Sample essays may be viewed in the OFE.)

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Application Submission

• Applications are accepted BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
• Appointments must be made in person in HB 309a
• Each appointment is about 15 minutes.

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During your application appointment we will

• Review transcripts to ensure prerequisite courses
  have been taken as well as appropriate grades
  have been earned.
• Ask you to fill out an additional information
  sheet with your practicum information as well as
  background information.
• Read through your essays and resume.
• Answer any questions you may have.
• Provide you with a Bottom Line information sheet.

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What if.

• I cant find my letter of acceptance?
• We will ask you to fill out a separate form that
  will enable the OFE to obtain a copy from the
  Deans office.
• I am missing a transcript?
• We will accept your application but will not
  begin to make requests until the application is
  complete.
• I have an incomplete on my transcript?
• All incompletes must be clear by a specific date
  before the application will be sent out to
  districts.

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Securing Placements

• The OFE must work with BEST district
  facilitators.
• The OFE makes requests on behalf of the student.
• Students MAY NOT secure their own placements.

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Placement Notification

• Students will be notified by the OFE about a
  pending placement. This is done by mail. It is
  important that students keep the OFE informed
  about any change in address or phone number.
• On occasion, a potential cooperating teacher may
  contact the student first. Should this happen,
  please contact the OFE immediately.

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Interviewing with the Cooperating Teacher

• Placements are not final until the completion of
  a successful interview.
• Once you receive the placement information,
  students must make contact immediately. Failure
  to do so may result in loss of the student
  teaching placement.
• Because the OFE works hard to secure placements,
  it is unable to confirm final placements. Student
  should assume the placement is sent unless Holly
  Hollander contacts them. In such cases, the
  cooperating teacher has exercised his/her option
  not to host the student at this time. Holly
  Hollander will contact the student immediately to
  discuss next steps.

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First Impressions

• When meeting your cooperating teacher for the
  interview be sure to
• Dress for success.
• Be on time BE EARLY.
• Have a thank you note ready to go out following
  the interview.
• Bring work samples that illustrate your work
  ethic and creativity.
• Show your passion and commitment to the teaching
  profession and children.

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For more information

• Please check the OFE website at www.ccsu.edu/ofe
  for application information sessions.
• These sessions typically take place the first two
  weeks of the semester in HB 212.

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Contact Information

• Holly Hollander, Director Hollanderh_at_ccsu.edu
• Sue Ford, Student Teaching Placement Coordinator
  Fords_at_ccsu.edu