Practicum overview
As part of the Added Elementary endorsement, you must complete a practicum in the last term of the program, spring term. The practicum experience must be in an elementary, self-contained classroom (K-6). The minimum number of required practicum hours depends on the current teaching licensure area and experience. Typically, practicums are for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks. This is a minimum number and more may be required to demonstrate competency in all areas. There is a minimum requirement of one full-day in the assigned classroom. The remainder of required hours may be completed in partial-day blocks, as approved by your advisor. If you are already a teacher in an elementary, self-contained classroom, then you may be able to complete your practicum in your classroom. If you teach in another type of classroom or are not currently teaching, then we will work with our Field Placement Coordinator to arrange a placement. Ultimately, all placements must be confirmed by the field placement office in cooperation with the participating school districts. While we take into account any requests for placement, we must follow guidelines for the practicum experience as established by TSPC and PSU. Before and during your practicum experience, you will plan and implement your Work Sample. The Work Sample is a summative performance assessment where you plan, teach, assess, and reflect on a small unit of 5-6 lessons.
Scheduling Your Practicum
- Before admission to the program: If you are currently working in a school, then you will need to have a conversation with your administrator about the practicum requirements in order to confirm their support of your practicum.
- Upon admission to the program: Your advisor will work with you to start planning your practicum placement. This includes identifying if you are already an elementary teacher or have access to an elementary classroom as part of your job.
- During fall term: Your advisor will begin working with the Field Placement Coordinator to arrange your placement officially with a school and district.
- During winter term: You will begin planning your Work Sample. There will be a practicum planning meeting between you, your assigned university supervisor, your mentor teacher, and advisor to formally establish the practicum schedule.