Teacher Name

Room Number

Email address

Students in Teaching Academy/Careers in Education are expected to demonstrate, both academically and personally, the ability to think and act independently. In this college-level course, students will experience teaching – solving problems, collaborating with peers and mentors, and serving as role models with excellent work habits.

Attendance: Attendance is a vital component for success in this class. Most of the work/learning of this class cannot be effectively “made up.” A teacher’s contract with the school district provides for paid days off for illness. The student’s contract provides for five sick days each semester before the course grade may be affected.

After five absences, students will have automatic interviews with their teacher and counselor to determine if they can remain in the class. Each absence will result in a loss of attendance points. These points cannot be made up. Students are not penalized for school-related absences.

Tardies: It is very important to arrive to class on time. Three tardies will count as one absence. Excessive tardiness will result in detention and may lead to suspension from the program.

Observations: During first semester, observation worksheets and write-ups must be completed prior to placement in the field site for second semester. For any absence on observation days, rescheduling must be made on the student’s own time. There will be no additional class time allowed. All make-up observations are due within one week of return to class or the student will receive a zero for the assignment.

Transportation: Safety traveling to and from observation sites is paramount. Students should always obey traffic laws, including driving the speed limit and wearing safety belts. Transportation is the sole responsibility of parents. If budget permits, a shuttle will be provided. The off-campus pass only allows a student to travel directly to and from the observation; there is no time to buy gas, food, go home, or make other stops. Abusing this privilege may result in removal from the program.

Professional Conduct: Students are required to exhibit superior behavior. Being a role model is a serious responsibility. Language must be positive and wholesome. Student work ethic must model dependability, dedication, and good judgment. Students must always be alert for student safety.

Grooming must be clean, tidy, and modest. Appropriate dress for observations is what you would wear to a job interview. ATTITUDE must be enthusiastic and helpful (be a self-starter!). When visiting another school, students must respect all school rules, teachers’ expectations, and the children. Students must not chew gum or bring food into the classroom or to the observations. No hats may be worn in the classroom or when visiting schools.

Course Competencies: Competencies are the tasks, assignments, and activities that students will successfully complete throughout the year. They are outlined in the Course Standards and Competencies. It is the student’s responsibility to mark assignments in their planners and complete them on schedule. If help is needed, your teacher will provide individual assistance as requested outside of regular class time.

Grading: First semester grade will be computed as follows:

Course Competencies 70%

- Observations 30%

- Class Participation 40%

Attendance 30%

Second semester grade will be based on successful completion of course competencies and internship as evidenced in the portfolio.

Participation points are awarded every day you are in class on time, on task, and prepared. These points cannot be made up.

Each grade is converted to a percentage, the average for each category is calculated, and these averages are then averaged according to their weight value.

The grading scale is based on the following percentages:

A 100-94 A- 93-90 B+ 89-87 B 86-84 B- 83-80

C+ 79-77 C 76-74 C- 73-70 Below 69% is failing.

Students must receive a B or better to be eligible for college credit waiver/articulation.

Portfolio Requirements: Your portfolio will show you have met the standards and competencies of the course and will be presented when you apply for admission to various universities’ Schools of Education. It is your portfolio that proves you are ready to enter a teacher certification program. You may receive course or requirement waivers based on your documentation of competencies. You will collect entries and artifacts for your portfolio during the entire course that document all 42 Teaching Academy competencies. You will organize and present your portfolio at the end of the year.

Articulation Agreements with State Colleges and Universities:

Teaching Academy/Careers in Education links with schools of higher education throughout Washington. Students can earn credit or requirement waivers that document their work above standard high school achievement. Listed below are the specifics for three schools we are linked with. However, articulation is not just limited to these three schools. Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves and present their portfolio to any university upon applying for entrance to the school of education.

Western Washington University

Acceptance to Woodring College of Education – requirement waivers.

Priority consideration for acceptance to the University with conditional admittance to Woodring College of Education through an accelerated process by substituting selected portions of the portfolio for portions of the standard admission application to Woodring.

Central Washington University

Four credit waiver replacing EDCS 300 – Pre-Autumn Field Experience

Students must receive a “B” or better and have met all the competencies. Upon arrival at CWU, you will present your portfolio and waiver request form to the Education Department.

Washington State University

Waiver replacing some requirements of ELSE 300 – Introductory Field Experience

Student must receive a “B” or better and have met all the competencies. Students will be allowed to substitute the Teaching Academy/Careers in Education experience for the 30-hour field component of the ELSE 300 course, and 80 clock hours of community service will be applied toward the 90 hours required for admission into the Teacher Preparation program. Students will verify their credit experience when applying for admission to the Teacher Preparation program.

Supplies: Students will need the following supplies:

1. A two-inch, three-ring presentation binder.

2. A three-inch, three-ring binder for class material.

3. Extended tab dividers and sheet protectors.

3. A planner or calendar for keeping track of assignments and dates. Students must have this with them every day.

Student Legal Rights

The school assures compliance with the state and federal guidelines and regulations regarding nondiscrimination against any student on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability in recruitment, hiring, placement, assignments tasks, hours of employment, levels of responsibility, and pay. Harassment of any student with regard to race, color, national origin, gender, or disability is strictly prohibited.

Disabilities: Students who need course adaptations because of a disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements if the building is evacuated, should explain these needs in writing as soon as possible.

Equity: In the classroom, everyone will be spoken of and treated with respect regardless of race, gender, academic program, or religious affiliation.

If any student believes they have been a victim of discrimination or sexual harassment, they are encouraged to notify the teacher. Ethnic, racial, sexist, or homophobic remarks are not acceptable and are grounds for immediate discipline.

Parents/Guardians: Questions and suggestions are welcome, as they help provide a quality program to meet students’ needs. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend Back to School Night and a celebration at year’s end.

Parents/Guardians and Students. Please sign the attached form confirming that you have read these expectations. Keep these Course Expectations in the Guidelines section of your class notebook. Return the signature portion to class.

Teaching

The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.© You can teach a lesson for a day but if you teach curiosity, you teach for a lifetime.© It’s too bad that the people who really know how to run the country are busy teaching school.© When truth stands in your way, you are headed in the wrong direction. © When teaching the love of truth, never lose the truth of love. © Teacher’s task: take a lot of live wires and see that they are well-grounded. © The mediocre teacher tells, the good one explains, the superior one shows, the great one inspires. © Nothing improves a child’s hearing more than praise.©

Text Box: Teaching Academy/Careers in Education
Course Syllabus

After reading the Course Syllabus I understand that:

ü My attendance is vital for my success and that my grade will be impacted if I miss more than five days per semester. If I am absent, it is my responsibility to get the missed assignments.

ü Class participation and attendance are part of my daily grade.

ü Assignments will be reduced by 10% for each school day they are late if not turned in on time; some assignments may not be turned in late.

ü I must perform at a “B” or better to be eligible for college waiver/articulation.

ü I will need to be organized and have the necessary supplies. I must be prepared every day.

ü I am expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times.

ü I will dress appropriately for observations.

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Parent/Guardian Signature Date