The Acorn
A Newsletter for CSB/SJU Cooperating Teachers
Volume 3, no. 17--Friday, April 23, 2021
Growing, Nurturing, and Supporting CSB/SJU Student Teachers
A Message from the Director of Student Teaching
Every few days, the Benedictine Institute at CSB/SJU sends out tidbits of wisdom to subscribers. These tidbits often provide me with the material for deep reflection on the day’s or week’s events, on situations happening in our world, and how I can frame my work and my purpose.
Rather than share a lengthy message with you in this issue, I believe sharing these with you is most fitting at this time.
I believe we can change the world if we start listening to one another again. That is simple, honest, human conversation. Not mediation, negotiation, problem-solving debate, or public meetings. Simple, truthful conversation where we each have a chance to speak, we each feel valued. --Margaret L. Wheatley
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it. --The Talmud
Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light. --Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Credit to the Benedictine Institute of the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University for these wise words.
The Next Two Weeks for Student Teachers
For student teachers in their second 8-week placement:
Week 6--
Continue to discuss planning and management techniques.
Secondary: Have the student teacher continue teaching all sections of the initially chosen course and additional courses as noted in week 13 for 75-80% of the day (all but one section of a full-time load).
Elementary: Add teaching time for 75-80% of the teaching day. Aim for as close to full time as possible.
Week 7--
Conduct one formal observation
Secondary: Allow the student teacher to solo teach to the almost full-time status
Elementary: Allow the student teacher to teach for at least 75-80% of the day.
Prepare letter of recommendation/reference for the final meeting
Schedule a final meeting with the university supervisor
Discuss transitioning back to your classroom
Assist student teacher to address areas needing improvement with continued informal observations and feedback
For student teachers with 16-week placements at one site:
Weeks 14 & 15--
- Continue to teach as much as possible, sharing feedback and reviewing goals.
- Additional materials for week 14: Conduct a formal observation and discuss the transition back to your classroom
- Additional materials for week 15: Schedule a final meeting with the supervisor and prepare a letter of recommendation/reference for the final meeting.
For student teachers beginning a 5-week endorsement placement:
Week 2—
- Work with the student teacher in planning, preparation of lessons and materials, monitoring student work.
- Co-teach lessons throughout the day
- Allow the student teacher to teach approximately ⅓ of teaching load (more if comfortable)
- Observe and provide informal feedback for at least two lessons this week
Week 3--
- Work with the student teacher in planning, preparation of lessons and materials, monitoring student work.
- Allow the student teacher to teach up to one course less than a full-time load
- Conduct one formal observation and provide feedback
Week 4--
- Continue to teach as in the previous week
- Assist student teacher to address areas needing improvement with continued informal observations and feedback
- Conduct one formal evaluation
- Discuss transitioning back to your classroom (missing work, schedule for return, etc.)
- Ensure that a final meeting has been scheduled with the university supervisor
- Prepare letter of recommendation/reference for the final meeting
Quick Links
CSB/SJU Student Teaching Handbook
Student Teaching Observations (by Cooperating Teacher/University Supervisor/Director)
This observation/evaluation form should be used to complete observations throughout the placement. Six formal observations of the student teacher are required within the span of student teaching. We ask that you complete 6 for a 16-week placement, 5 in a 12-week placement, 3 in an 8-week placement, and 2 in a 5-week placement. The entire form does not need to be completed for each observation; however, by the end of the placement, each part should be addressed.Final forms for the completion of a placement:
Cooperating Teacher's Final Evaluation of Student Teacher
Cooperating Teacher's Dispositional Evaluation of Student Teacher
Readings and Resources
The Magic of Making Mistakes
Empowering Educators: A Digital Series on Race and Racism
Podcasts that Expand our Hearts and Minds
CSB/SJU Education Department
Director of Elementary and Secondary Student Teaching
Allison Spenader, PhD.
Chair
Email: jmeagher001@csbsju.edu
Website: csbsju.edu/education
Location: 37 College Avenue South, St Joseph, MN, USA
Phone: 320-363-5709