Job Title: Student Teacher
Date Revised: January 2023
Reports to: Cooperating Teaching and Principal
Dept./School: Assigned Campus
Primary Purpose:
Provide students with appropriate learning activities, instruction, and supervision by implementing the lesson plans under the supervision of the cooperating teacher.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
University endorsement
Assigned University Supervisor
Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area of interest.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of core academic subject of interest
Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
During the student teaching experience, student teachers will begin the transition to their professional roles as teachers.
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
During the student teaching experience, student teachers will have the opportunity to apply their content and pedagogical knowledge in the classroom as teachers. They will learn to select instructional goals appropriate to their students and to develop lesson plans that demonstrate knowledge of content; students; State, professional and local standards; and use of educational resources.
Domain 2: The Classroom Environment
With the help of their cooperating teachers and supervisors, student teachers will learn to create a learning environment that demonstrates mutual respect between students and teacher and among students. This involves creating a culture where content is valued, and expectations for learning and achievement are high. Student teachers will learn to manage classroom procedures and student behavior and to organize their classrooms and resources to promote both safety and learning. As part of this responsibility, they will learn to work with classroom aides, guidance counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other professionals to best meet the needs of students.
Domain 3: Instruction
Inherent in the title of “teacher” is the role of instructional leader. Therefore, student teachers are expected to engage students in learning content through activities, assignments, grouping, materials, resources, structure, and pacing. They will learn and implement questioning and discussion techniques that promote student participation and knowledge acquisition. They will be expected to communicate clearly and accurately and to provide accurate, substantive, constructive, specific, and timely feedback to students. Perhaps most importantly, given their novice status, student teachers are expected to be responsive to the suggestions of their cooperating teachers and supervisors and to demonstrate flexibility and persistence.
Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities
Finally, student teachers will learn the obligations of membership in a profession, such as adherence to the rules, regulations, and schedules of the school; clear and accurate record-keeping; effective home-school communication; participation in school and professional activities; and collaboration with other professional team members. Apparent in these responsibilities is the demonstration of professional dispositions such as mature decision-making, positive peer relationships, and professional advocacy. Lastly, student teachers are expected to reflect on their own performance and to identify improvements to enhance their own professional growth and development.
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; [P.E. teachers: automated external defibrillator (AED)]
Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking
Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment
Environment: Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours
This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.