Characteristics of Education Specialist Student Teaching
CHARACTERISTICS OF EDUCATION SPECIALIST STUDENT TEACHING
Education Specialist candidates are required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to complete two student teaching experiences: 1) in a general education placement and 2) in a special education placement. In the student teaching semester, you will be assigned to work in both special education and general education programs. If your emphasis is elementary, you will be assigned to an elementary school. If your emphasis is secondary, you will be assigned to either a middle school or a high school. Ideally, candidates will be provided with student teaching placements where they may complete both requirements at the same school site. Student teachers work at a designated school site for one entire school semester as follows:
FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE CHOSEN AN ELEMENTARY EMPHASIS OR A DUAL CREDENTIAL WITH MULTIPLE SUBJECT:
1. Work all day in a Special Day Class or Resource Specialist Program for nine weeks.
2. Observe in the general education classroom where you will teach (beginning in week #10) one day per week during your special education placement.
3. Assume full responsibility for at least three weeks, under the direction of a special education directing teacher, with district approval.
4. In the second placement, beginning in the 10th week, candidates team teach and/or solo with a general education directing teacher in a general education classroom for six weeks.
5. Assume full responsibility for two weeks in a general education classroom, with district approval.
6. Participate in at least one observed IEP meeting.
7. Prepare and implement a positive behavior intervention plan.
FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE CHOSEN A SECONDARY EMPHASIS OR A DUAL CREDENTIAL WITH SINGLE SUBJECT:
1. Work all day in a middle school or high school for the entire school semester.
2. Assume full responsibility for at least two special education classes, under the direction of a special education directing teacher.
3. Assume full teaching responsibility for one general education class in a specific subject area for the semester, under the direction of a general education directing teacher.
4. Participate in at least one IEP meeting observed by your university supervisor.
5. Prepare and implement a positive behavior intervention plan.
