FOREWORD
This handbook is written for and distributed to individuals who participate in the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student teaching, library media, communicative disorders and other programs. It is intended as a guide for students, personnel of cooperating schools and agencies, and university faculty. Student teaching is one of the most important activities for students preparing to become teachers. It is the culminating experience during which prospective teachers transform their preparation for teaching into professional classroom practice. The student teaching experience offers indispensable opportunities for guided practical experience. The cooperating schools and especially the cooperating teachers provide invaluable services for the university, for student teachers, and for their profession.
A note on terminology . In general, references to “student teachers” in this handbook also apply to College of Education & Professional Studies majors who are completing their capstone experience in the library media and communicative disorders programs. Similarly, references to “cooperating teachers” also apply to cooperating librarians, off campus clinical supervisors for students enrolled in the communicative disorders program, and other field supervisors.
Information contained in this handbook is subject to change. For the most specific, up‑to‑date information on any subject that is part of this handbook, contact the Office of Field Experiences in the College of Education & Professional Studies.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Education & Professional Studies is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, the Renaissance Group, the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities, the Wisconsin Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, and the Wisconsin Improvement Program. All programs are approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, programs in teacher education (initial and advanced), in communicative disorders, and in school psychology are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, and the National Association of School Psychologists, respectively.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is dedicated to a safe, supportive and non-discriminatory learning environment. It is the responsibility of all undergraduate and graduate students to familiarize themselves with University policies regarding Special Accommodations, Misconduct, Religious Beliefs Accommodation, Discrimination and Absence for University Sponsored Events. (For details please refer to the Undergraduate and Graduate Timetables; the "Rights and Responsibilities" section of the Undergraduate Bulletin; the Academic Requirements and Policies and the Facilities and Services sections of the Graduate Bulletin; and the Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures" [UWS Chapter 14]; and the "Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures " [UWS Chapter 17]).