Expectation for Observation of Student Teacher

Student teaching is a mediated experience, thus it is expected that the student teacher will be observed regularly throughout the professional semester.  While observations will be informal, with the cooperating teacher and/or college supervisor providing verbal or informal written feedback in the form of dialogue notes to the student teacher, journaling activities, a formal observation of a lesson is to be done weekly.

Some formal assessments/evaluations must occur.  During these times the cooperating teacher, college supervisor, and occasionally even the building principal should determine a specific time and perhaps even a specific area of performance around which to focus the observation. Evaluation/Assessment Information

Please note: The cooperating teacher needs to perform one weekly observation of the student teacher work each week. Copies of the Messiah College observation form will be provided. A copy of your weekly observation report should be provided to the college supervisor and, of course, should be reviewed with the student teacher.

Perceptions of the student teacher's performance, as observed by teaching professionals, should be shared with the student.  Observing and critiquing without direct and clear feedback to the student cannot effectively contribute to the student's growth and development in the teaching setting.

The college supervisor will discuss forms and observation procedures during one of his/her first visits with the cooperating teacher and student teacher.