Evaluation of the Student Teacher

Throughout the student teaching experience, there are two visits made by the university supervisor for each student teacher.

These two visits are observational and evaluation visits.  The university supervisor focuses on the student teacher and the student teacher’s interactions with children, the environment and the other staff. While observing, the university supervisor writes anecdotal notes on the Student Observation Report: Directed Teaching (see Appendices F) that is provided by the Office of Field Experiences. The observation lasts approximately 50-60 minutes.

What happens after the observation?

• Upon completion of the observation, ideally there is a three-party conference (the cooperating teacher, the student teacher and the university supervisor).
• However, the possibility of holding this conference needs to be determined by the situation in the setting. If this is not possible, it may be suggested that the university supervisor talk with the student teacher first, which is followed by conferencing with the cooperating teacher or the cooperating teacher first and then the student teacher.
• Another option, for those university supervisors, who have ample opportunity to meet with student teachers on campus, is to talk briefly with the cooperating teacher after the observation and set up a meeting with the student teacher back on campus.  This also allows time for the student teacher to read the observational notes before the meeting.

During the conference, the university supervisory shares his or her observation notes. If there is a difference of opinions, the concerned parties need to discuss the discrepancy.  Writing the dispute on the observation report may be an option that follows the discussion.  The student teacher’s signature is required on the Student Observation Report: Directed Teaching.  The signature does not signify agreement with what has been written but it does signify that the student teacher has been given the opportunity to read the observation report and discuss it with the supervisor.

There are three different types of evaluations: interim self-evaluation for the student teacher and an interim evaluation and a final evaluation for cooperating teacher. The first two evaluations need to be returned to the Office of the Field Experiences by the midpoint of the student teaching experience, whereas the final evaluation is due one month after the student teacher completes the student teaching placement.

A condensed version of the evaluation tool is included at the end of this handbook (Appendix H).  Please see the directions on the actual tool concerning when to complete, the discussion that should follow the evaluation and where to send completed copies.  Copies of the evaluation tool are distributed to student teachers and cooperating teachers at the beginning of the semester.