University of Pittsburgh

School of Education

Department of Instruction & Learning

CASE Graduate Students

IL 2707Student Teaching Seminar – Fall 2014

Instructor: Anna Arlotta-Guerrero, Ph.D. Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:15 Posvar 4300

412-624-0306 (office) Office Hours: By appointment

WWPH 5935

Course Description: This course is designed as a weekly seminar to support students throughout their pre-kindergarten practicum experience. The seminar will focus on issues related to teaching in the pre-kindergarten classroom and will include reflection, discussion and exploration of various teaching practices. The course will help students make connections between theory and practice during this phase of the PK through Grade 4 Program. The seminar will also guide students through the preparation of the PK through Grade 4 portfolio.

Expected Student Competencies:

  • Students will make informed observations at their placement site.
  • Students will compare and contrast theory and practice.
  • Students will compare and contrast their experiences.
  • Students will integrate themselves into their classrooms.
  • Students will plan lessons at the primary grade level, referring to PA

learning standards and indicators.

  • Students will plan and teach lessons using a variety of teaching models.
  • Students will engage children individually, in small groups, and large groups, as directed by their mentor teacher.
  • Students will create the elements of a professional portfolio.

General Expectations:

  • Be careful to observe school hours as agreed upon with your cooperating teacher/principal. It is important to be on time.
  • Dress appropriately and professionally at all times, modified only for special event days at the site. Make good choices.
  • Be prompt with your lesson plans that are due to your University Supervisors prior to each observation. Schedule with your individual supervisor.
  • If it is necessary to be absent or, if there is an emergency causing you to be late, please contact your mentor teacher immediately. If you cannot reach the teacher, contact the school office. Also, you must leave your supervisor a message at to let her know of the absence.
  • It is always best to resolve any issues that may arise at the lowest level possible and directly with the person involved. If a misunderstanding occurs with either your cooperating teacher or someone else try to speak to that person first.
  • Learn as much as possible, smile and have fun!!!!

Class Schedule

Date / Discussion Topic
August 28 / Preparing for full time student teaching.
September4 / A discussion of your first week at your placements. Please be prepared to share a short description of your placement site, your classroom, and your students.
September 11 / Reviewing lesson planning and preparing for your observations.
September 18 / Classroom Management and Facilitation.
September 25 / No class meeting on this day. Portfolio work day.
October 2 / Share updates from your student teaching experience.
Competency updates
October 9 / A discussion of assessments and the effectiveness of data-driven instruction.
October 16 / .TBA
October 23 / Competency Updates
October 30 / A discussion of the differences and the similarities of the practicum sites. Have any of your thoughts and/or opinions changed since the first few weeks of the practicum??
November 6 / No class meeting on this day. Portfolio work day.
November 13 / Review of spring term placements/supervision.
November 20 / Review of your placement experiences/portfolio questions.
Sharing your accomplishments with faculty and supervisors.
November 27 / Happy Thanksgiving!!!
December 4 / No class on this day. Please report the status of your portfolio to your supervisor. PORTFOLIO FINAL DUE DATE IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 BY 5:00 P.M.