Introduction to the Teaching Profession Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

EDUC-1301-003 Introduction to the Teaching Profession

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Overview of the teaching profession and requirements. Provides introduction to and analysis of the culture of schooling and classrooms. Includes opportunities to observe in P-12 classrooms. Course will align with the State Board for Educator Certification Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities and Technology Application standards.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hr; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1) Please see the Instructor Recommendations on the first class day.

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2) Bingham, T. and Thomas, C. (2006).  TExES Success:  A Comprehensive Guide to the Texas PPR Examination of Educator Competencies, 2nd edition, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company,  ISBN 13:  978-0-7575-3306-8     ISBN 10:  0-7575-3306-X

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Some older editions are acceptable.  Please ask the instructor to be sure.  If in doubt, please purchase the book after speaking to the instructor.

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3) Books can be expensive but the codes cost, too.  Please check with me if you are trying to squeeze your pennies this semester. I will tell you all the options I know.

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Supplies

\ Paper, pens, pencils, notebooks.  This class will be supported online and the student will need access to the internet, a printer weekly.  We will use smart phones and ipads and laptops in class. You are encouraged to bring your tools wit

Student Performance

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• \ The purpose of this course is to provide students with a) information about the teaching profession and b) opportunities to observe professional teachers in their teaching environments.
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• \ The process of becoming a public school teacher, certified to teach in Texas, including a) State Board of Educator Certification www.sbec.state.tx.us; and b) requirements for the Associate of Arts in Teaching degree.
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• \ An introduction to the Approved New Educator Standards in Texas
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• \ An overview of the Educators Code of Ethics
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• \ An overview of the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities of teachers: Domain I:  Designing Instruction, (Competencies 1 - 4); and Domain II: Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment (Competencies 5 - 6).
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• \ These domains and competencies are explained in detail in the TExES Preparation Manual for the area of your certification. 
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures. These are explained in the booklet Student Rights and Responsibilities available on the AC website.

 

Grading Criteria

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\ Weekly Learning Activities \	\ 10% \	\ 90-100%=A \
\ Group Report – group presentation on chapter \	\ 10% \
\ Exams (three Major)                  (100 points each)                    \	\ 30% \	\ 80-89%=B \
\ Why I Want to Teach paper      (100 points)                                                                                 \	\ 10% \	\ 70-79%=C \
\ Observation Journal (100 points)                                                    \	\ 30% \	\ 60-69%=D \
\ Observation Log Sheet/Thank You Cards (100 points) \	\   10% \
\  If a student does not complete the observation and journal requirements as designated, a grade of “F” will be given for the course.  If there is a complaint from a teacher about student’s behavior on a campus, a grade of “F” may be given for the course.      \	\ 100% \	\ Below 60%=F \

Attendance

Attendance is critical in order to successfully complete this class.

If you will be absent, please contact the instructor as soon as possible.  806 371 5188   mcmunger@actx.edu

Classroom:  Dutton Hall 101 Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30.   Please plan your observation times so that you will make each class time.

Please look for an email from the instructor about location the first week of class.

 

Calendar

Additional Information

Note:  This syllabus is subject to change.  I have attempted to include all necessary information you need to be successful.   We will also discuss any changes to this in class.  If you miss class please make sure to catch up on details with me or a classmate.

 

Course Description:

An enriched integrated pre-service course and content experience that provides active recruitment and instructional support of students interested in a teaching career, especially in high need fields.  It also provides students with opportunities to participate in early field observations (K-12 schools).  COMPLETION AND VERIFICATION OF THE 16 HOUR OBSERVATION LOG SHEET AND JOURNAL AND THANK YOU CARDS IS MANDATORY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THIS COURSE.  Observations must be completed by Friday, Before Thanksgiving.

Be sure to wear the blue/white lanyard and your AC ID at each observation.

Choose one of the following preparation manuals to relate to your particular major. The latest version should be available via Google from the Texas Education Agency.

• 194Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-6 (ESL or Bilingual)
• 110Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities 4-8
• 130Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities 8-12
• 160 Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (Special Education)
• 170 Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities for Trade and Industrial Education 8-12

 

Things to Remember:

• Your participation in class helps you learn more, and makes the class more interesting.
• Ask questions.  Ask more questions. We will all learn together.
• Check out Amarillo College’s Students Rights and Responsibilities.
• Students are expected to follow the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct.
• Respect and honesty are key to education.  We will be working with sensitive topics. We will learn how to handle confidential information in professional ways. Keep respectful and honest practices in the front of your mind.
• Make up exams are up to the instructor's discretion.  Please make a strong effort to complete all exams by the deadline date and time. Make up exams may be in an essay format.  In order to be fair to students who take the exams during the given time frame, make up exams will lose 15% of their original value.
• Any student, who because of a disabling condition may require some special arrangement in order to meet course requirements, should contact disAbility services at 371-5436 as soon as possible.
• If for some reason you are unable to complete this course, be sure to notify the instructor and the Registrar’s office before the drop date which is the last day to drop a class.
• Completion and verification of the 16 hour observation log sheet and journal is mandatory in order to receive credit for this course.  The start date for observations has not been determined yet; however, observations must be completed by Friday the week before Thanksgiving.

OBSERVATION GUIDELINES:
What a wonderful opportunity to step into a classroom to increase knowledge and begin to put ideas into your repertoire to become a fabulous teacher.  Young students are excited for you to enter into the classroom to observe their learning environment. A few guidelines will assist you in the most successful experience; not following these procedures can cause the student to have points deducted from the observation grade.  The value of the points may vary depending on the offense.  Professionalism cannot be stressed enough!  You are not only representing yourself, but you are also representing Amarillo College, and you are a role model to students you will be observing.  This is an awesome responsibility and we know you will take this experience seriously!

Be sure to wear the AC ID and your blue/white lanyard at each observation.

 
1.  AC and Amarillo ISD will host two seminars for students.  You are strongly encouraged to participate in these sessions if at all possible. These sessions will be very beneficial to you.  If you attend both seminars, you will receive 4 hours toward your 16 observation hours and extra credit on Exam 1 and 3 (it's worth your time to attend!)  

2.  You will need to schedule 12 extra hours (if you attend the seminars) to meet the 16 hour requirement.  Be sure your observations total 16 clock hours (960 minutes).  If you need to observe outside Amarillo ISD, you need to contact me directly and I will contact the school district you want to observe.  Please submit your observation schedule once you have scheduled your observation hours with your assigned teachers.  Email the teachers you have been assigned to observe and introduce yourself and ask them if they could send you a copy of his/her schedule and then you can determine what date(s)/time(s) you want to observe......email the teachers a copy of your proposed schedule....if there's a scheduling conflict, it's better to know ahead of time so you can reschedule.

3.  Be sure to read the observation journal completely prior to starting your observation hours.  Feel free to ask questions if you need more information.  Print a copy and take the journal with you for each observation so you will know what to observe and document. Determine prior to each visit, which part of the journal you will focus on that day.  This will help you be more focused and intentional during your observations.

4.  Make sure if you have not been to the school before, to drive by the location in advance so you will feel comfortable arriving in a timely fashion, stress free.  Be sure to locate the visitor parking and the main entrance.

5.  Remember you should always dress for the job you wish to get, not the one you currently hold.  Keep in mind you are a visitor in a classroom and will be watched very carefully by students.  Your arrival at the main office could be your first opportunity to meet your future boss!  Wear professional attire.  If you do not own such clothing, now should be the time to invest in appropriate attire.  Jeans, t-shirts, sweats or workout clothing are NOT acceptable.  Keep in mind the type of shoes you wear too.  Some shoes are noisy and distracting when walking down the hallway. No flip flops should be worn.  Take out any eyebrow, nose, lip, or multiple ear piercings prior to visiting a classroom.  Your hair needs to be a color that is a natural hair color (no pink, purple, green, blue, or any other color that is not natural).  No outlandish hairstyles or contact lens that are colored (i.e. cat eye) or inappropriate eye wear.  If you have visible tattoos, they need to be covered all the way!  Your appearance should not distract students from learning or teachers from teaching.  Teaching is a profession and you should dress for success. This is your first impression chance.  We will talk more about this in class.  There are some great bargains in town for a jacket, khaki's or a dress. We will share our great ideas as the time for observation get's closer.

6.  Arrive at the school at least 15 minutes before your designated time.  You will need to report to the main office to get a visitor’s pass and receive directions to the classroom.  Be sure to sign in on the AC log sheet when you arrive and before you leave the campus.  Failure to sign in and out may result in failure of this course. 

7.  When you arrive at the classroom, enter quietly because you may disturb the end of a class period.  Quietly go to the back of the room if possible and wait until the class dismisses or if the teacher is giving instructions.  If you will not disrupt the lesson, approach the teacher and introduce yourself. 

8.  Be sure to complete the log sheet properly.  Write the date, time in, time out, total number of minutes. Include "campus/grade/subject/".  Write the teacher's name in the space before the signature box.   Show the teacher your log sheet and have him/her sign the appropriate box.  Be sure that  your time in, time out match the total amount of time of each visit.  Calculate the total minutes at the bottom of the log sheet.

9.  Make sure you have a pencil, pen, and notepad or paper to journal the activities during your visit.  (Do not expect the teacher to provide your supplies).   Take detailed notes during each visit.

10.  Ask where the teacher would like for you to sit or stand during your observation.  You should be able to tell if the teacher wants to carry on a conversation and discuss the class or lesson.  If he/she needs to prepare for the next class make sure you do not interfere with preparation.  Be courteous.  If preparation time is needed, take time to observe the classroom setup.  When the class begins remember you are like a fly on the wall.  You should not interfere with the teaching process.  The more information you can collect now, the more information you will have to refer to when you begin teaching. 

11.  Thank the teacher for allowing you to observe his/her classroom.  Specifically mention briefly at least one item you enjoyed or learned in the classroom.

12.  Go back by the office and return your visitor’s pass.  Take this opportunity to thank the principal (if available) or the office staff for the experience. 

13.  Fill in any missing areas of your journal as soon as you leave the classroom because you forget things quickly.  

14.  Keep in mind you are not to discuss specific student names in any discussion inside our classroom or definitely not outside of the classroom.  Confidentiality is very important!!  You may make up student names if you wish for classroom purposes.

15.  Be courteous and considerate of the teacher’s time schedule.  If for any reason you can not show up on an agreed day/time, contact the teacher in advance of only special circumstances that prevent you from showing up.  Otherwise, do not miss a scheduled observation.  Not showing up for any observation and/or not notifying the teacher in advance can result in an enormous reduction in your grade for this assignment. 

16.  After your observation times/dates are completed, write the principal (for each school you observed) and every teacher you observed a thank you note.  Purchase inexpensive cards (not notebook or copy paper) and these notes are to be handwritten.  Do not type them.   A handwritten note is personal and professional.  Include your thank you notes when you submit or mail your log sheet.  Remember to include postage stamps on each envelope.  Include a return address, and complete school address for the recipient.  An example note is posted in the resources.

17.  Classroom observations of tests, videos, field trips, assemblies, pep rallies or other athletic events do not constitute as valid observations for the designated time requirement.  When scheduling appointments, make sure “active teaching” will be observed during your visit.  This is your responsibility.  You may observe one conference or collaboration (possibly one hour). 

18.  Above all…enjoy this experience as much as possible…you have chosen to enter the teaching profession, this first observation experience will give you a different perspective.  In the past, you have been the student.  Now you will view teaching through different eyes…that of a teacher.