Field Experience HandbookTeacher Education

Associate of Arts in Teaching

Program Outcomes

Confidentiality

Background Check

Student Code of Conduct

Frequently Asked Questions

Appendix

Table of Contents

The Associate of Arts in Teaching is a state-approved

collegiate degree program consisting of lower-division

courses intended for transfer to baccalaureate programs

that lead to initial Texas teacher certification.

Learn more about the AAT on the HCC website:

https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/liberal-arts-

humanities--education/teacher-education/

Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT)

Explain the purposes of schooling and contexts of classrooms with an

emphasis on the characteristics of exceptional students in the regular and

special education classroom.

Analyze and evaluate teacher preparation programs, effective teaching

strategies, their own employability, and the role of educators as they decide

whether teaching could be a satisfying career for them.

Describe the characteristics of a specific type of exceptional learner

including pre-referral interventions that should or could be used,

modifications that must be made after referral, and legal implications.

Explore, examine, and evaluate one of the current issues affecting the field

of education today, such as instructional methods, learning, curriculum,

students, teachers, families, administration, school policy, or school law.

Program Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Confidentiality

Due to the sensitive nature of information that you will know as a teacher, it is imperative that you keep sensitive information confidential. Any information about students or their families must be shared on a “need to know” basis only. Thus, be very sensitive about discussing information in public places such as the hallway or other open areas. Others that do not have a need to know could overhear the conversation. Protect the interests of each student and family by maintaining confidentiality.

Background Check

All students are required to complete a background check in accordance with Texas state laws, rules, and regulation involving work with children.

Students enrolled in EDUC 1301 and 2301 courses are

expected to follow the Code of Conduct (see Appendix) during their field experiences. It is imperative that Teacher

Education students conduct themselves in a respectful and

academic manner fitting of future educators.

Additionally, students are required to:

- Be on time for each visit.

- Call the school if a visit must be canceled or rescheduled.

- Be cordial and professional when speaking with the students, parents, faculty, staff, and other visitors.

- Adhere to the policies and procedures of the school.

Student Code of Conduct

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are field hours? Are they the same as volunteer hours? Field Experience hours are those supervised by a classroom teacher, in a classroom setting. If you volunteer during the school day in a classroom supervised by a teacher, then those hours may count toward your field hours. 2. Are we allowed to observe in a private school? Yes, but we strongly recommended that you complete a portion of your hours in the public school setting if at all possible. 3. Do Head Start programs count for classroom observations? Yes, a Head Start program may count provided it serves 3- to 4-year-olds and is housed within public school. 4. Are background checks mandatory? Yes. If you find that your background check is not cleared (it does not “pass”), you will receive notification from the district, and you will need to proceed according to their guidelines. As stated in the course syllabus: NOTE: This course of study would not be appropriate for anyone who falls into the following category as noted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: "No person with a conviction or who is under indictment for, or is the subject of an official criminal complaint alleging violation of any of the crimes listed as a felony against the person or felony violation of the Texas Controlled Substance Act may be present while children are in care.” 5. What should I do if I have not heard back from a school about my background check? Contact the school immediately by phone, email, and in person, if necessary. A long wait can often be avoided if you begin your field experience preparation within the first month of class.

Frequently Asked Questions

6. I am an international student and do not have a social security card. Could I submit another document for the background check? You need to contact individual districts regarding their policy. 7. Can I observe in more than one classroom? Do I need an agreement form for each teacher? Yes, it would be helpful for you to observe in more than one classroom. If the classrooms are all at one site, you will not need a separate agreement form for each teacher. However, if you visit classrooms at different schools, you will need an agreement form for each site. 8. I am a teaching assistant. Am I allowed to use my work hours for my field experience hours? Yes, you are allowed to count up to half of the required 16 hours, but only if the classroom is supervised by the classroom teacher during those hours. 9. I am taking two courses that require field hours. Can hours counted for one course also count for another? No, the state requires that the field experience hours must be completed for each course, so you will need to complete 32 hours, instead of 16. 10. I completed hours in a prior semester, may I use those? No, hours must be completed in the semester in which you are enrolled in a course. 11. Can I use substitute teaching for my field hours? No. 12. Can I use tutoring for my field hours? Yes, but only if the tutoring occurs in a classroom setting, during the school day, and if the classroom is supervised by the classroom teacher.

Frequently Asked Questions

13. I work full-time and can only do observations on Fridays. Would that be acceptable? Yes. Be mindful that you cannot exceed the 7-hour daily limit. 14. I work full-time during the day and cannot take time off work for observations. What should I do? Some students have used vacation time to complete the field experience hours during the day or have made other arrangements for evening or Saturday P-12 classroom experiences. 15. Can I count at least 8 hours per day in order to complete my field hours in two days? No, you may only count up to 7 hours per day. 16. I am planning to visit several classrooms. Should all teachers sign my agreement form? No, as long as your form indicates which classrooms you will visit, and the form has been signed by the building administrator. 17. I am planning to visit several classrooms. Do I need a separate time log for each classroom? No, as long as all of the classrooms are at the same school. 18. May I have the Agreement Form signed on my first observation visit instead of prior to the visit? The Agreement Form should be signed prior to your first observation visit, as it serves to “confirm” the particular site’s approval.

Frequently Asked Questions 19. What documents do I take to the site each time I visit? Take the Time Log to each visit in order to obtain the teachers’ signatures. You should also bring a photo ID to each visit. 20. Can I wait to have my Time Log signed at the end of my 16 hours? No, the Time Log should be signed at each visit, by each teacher in whose classroom you visit.

Appendix

Field Experience Forms The following forms are included in this appendix.

Your professor will also provide them in class.

Code of Conduct Request Letter

Learning Agreement Form Time Sheet

Department of Education Teacher Education Program 3214 Austin Street, Houston, TX 77004 713-718-6303 phone 713-718-6235 fax Student Code of Conduct As a student representing the Department of Education at Houston Community College, I understand that the process of professionalism begins now. During field experience and practicum assignments, I will demonstrate a commitment to professionalism by: • Calling for an appointment in a timely manner. • Being punctual for my scheduled visit. • Informing the site if I will be arriving late, canceling my visit, or requesting to reschedule my time. • Coming prepared with my own pencil/pen, clipboard or sturdy notebook, and required paperwork for my assignment. • Dressing and acting in a professional manner: o Closed toe shoes, no thongs, flip flops, or high heels o Appropriate clothing – no low-rise or torn jeans, no low-cut shirts, no shorts o Appropriate jewelry – no large hoop earrings, no rings with prongs, bangle bracelets, or long necklaces o No visible tattoos o No excessive piercing o No hats or caps o No gum chewing o No weapons • Storing personal medication in my car or leave at home (do not bring into the facility). • Storing my purse, backpack, and other personal belongings in designated cabinet • Refraining from using my cell phone during my scheduled visit. • Maintaining confidentiality relating to children and teachers. • Writing a thank you note after the completion of the assignment. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Print student name Signature

Student ID #: ________________________

Code of Conduct Form

Field Experience Request Letter

Date: Department of Education Teacher Education Program 3214 Austin Street, Houston, TX 77004 713-718-6303 phone 713-718-6235 fax Field Experience Request Letter The student presenting this letter to you, ______________________________________, is presently enrolled in one of the following courses at HCC: • EDUC 1301 Introduction to the Teaching Profession • EDUC 2301 Introduction to Special Populations In order to fulfill the requirements of this course, students are required to complete 16 hours of observation in a P-12 classroom setting. While completing these hours, students are asked to record anecdotal descriptions of the teaching and learning behaviors that are observed as well as the classroom settings. They are also asked to collect information about the school from the school’s website and the Texas Education Agency website. While completing these hours, our students are encouraged to participate in the learning activities with the children, provided that the school site and cooperating teacher approve. Please know that the overarching purpose of this and similar assignments is to ensure that our students are able to link the theories and principles discussed in the college classroom with the practices exhibited in authentic education settings. Prior to being sent out to their various field experiences, our students must read, sign, and agree to a Code of Conduct that outlines appropriate dress, behaviors, and ethics for professional activities. As a result, they are expected to follow the guidelines of their assignment and to handle themselves as professionals at all times. I hope that the content of this letter provides you with sufficient information regarding the nature of the observation visits that are being requested by our students. Should you have any additional questions, concerns, or need for further clarification, please feel free to contact the Education Department Chair, using the phone number below. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and willingness to provide such an important learning experience for our students. We look forward to a continued partnership! Sincerely, HCC Department of Education 713-718-6303

Field Experience Learning Agreement Form

Student's Name_____________________________________________________________ Student's Phone Student's Email________________________________________________ Professor's Name____________________________________________________________ Professor's Phone Professor's Email_____________________________________________ FIELD EXPERIENCE - LEARNING AGREEMENT FORM To be completed jointly by the student and school supervisor. Completed and signed form must be submitted to the instructor before the student's first observation day. Dear Prospective Field Experience Partner, Students enrolled in Houston Community College courses EDUC 1301 and EDUC 2301 are required to document a minimum of 16 hours of initial field experience. Please be advised that the initial field experience program is distinct from student teaching. The students enrolled in these courses have little or no previous coursework in the field of education. They are not yet prepared to assume actual teaching responsibilities. They are, however, expected to observe, assist, and participate in as many school related activities as possible. In addition, they are expected to maintain high levels of professional behavior, adhere to established dress codes, and to follow all established school schedules and policies. Please indicate your willingness to serve as a host field experience or visitation site by completing the following information. The student making this request is required to return this completed and signed form to his/her instructor before beginning the field hours. Upon your request, the student will provide your school with the field experience assignment directions. School Name______________________________________________________________________________ School Address School Phone Number Building Administrator________________________________________ Days and hours: Student will begin on___________________________________________________________ Title _________________________________________________________________ Total number of hours: __________ Student will end on: _______________________ The school site agrees to provide the HCC student with a cooperating teacher and classroom in which to observe. I agree to, and will uphold, the terms of this placement. Student's Signature/Date _____________________________________________________________________ Cooperating Teacher's Signature/Date ___________________________________________________________ Building Administrator's Signature/Date __________________________________________________________

Field Experience Time Log'

Ending Date: ___________ TOTAL Hours: ________ Time Log Statement My signature below confirms that this record accurately documents my field hours for the following course (include course name and number): ________________________ ________________________________________ _________________ Student Signature Date

Houston Community College Teacher Education Program