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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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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.

Working Collaboratively

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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 can’t 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 Dean’s 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@ccsu.edu

Sue Ford, Student Teaching Placement Coordinator ~ Fords@ccsu.edu