TO:  Mentor Teacher

FROM:  Donna Tavener, Director of Alternative Certification

SUBJECT:  Early Field Experience/Observation

I would like to begin by thanking you for accepting our EFE intern into your classroom to fulfill his/her 20 hours of Early Field Experience/Observation.  This practicum is required of all students prior to applying for the teacher education program.  The main goal of this experience will be for the intern to gain an understanding of the expectations of teachers in a modern society.  The intern will benefit from this experience in the following ways: 

• Early exposure to public school students, teachers, and other school professionals

• Highly relevant experiences in a classroom setting

• Exposure to the policies, programs, and activities of the school

• Extended periods of time in a classroom setting to study classroom organization and management, instructional strategies, curriculum planning, and many other teaching practices and procedures

• Exposure to content curriculum, resources, technology, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), etc...

• Opportunities to study ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity

• Opportunity to make a firm decision on whether or not a career in teaching is right for you

As a mentor for an EFE intern, we are asking that you supervise and facilitate the 20 hour practicum.  The intern’s primary activity will be observing in your classroom.  The intern is also encouraged to observe other teachers as well.  If it is possible to work out other observation opportunities in different settings, under different teachers, feel free to do so.  In addition, there are certain activities that the intern will be allowed to undertake (at your discretion).  These activities and other beneficial information regarding the Early Field Experience may be viewed at http://teachcert.tamuc.edu/teacher/EFE/ACintro.htm

There will be two forms that will need your attention.  (The intern will provide these forms.)  The “Record of Early Field Experiences” log sheet should be initialed and signed by you, as well as the principal on your campus.  The intern is also required to have each teacher that he/she works with to complete a, brief, one-page “Early Field Experience Rating Form” as an evaluation of the intern.

If you have any questions regarding this placement, or if you have any significant problems along the way, please contact me at 903-468-8186.  Thank You!