Observation
The goal of the field-based observations is to help you gain an understanding of the expectations of teachers in modern society and make an informed decision on whether or not teaching matches your career aspirations. The State requires each teacher candidate to complete a minimum of 50 clock hours of observation prior to beginning their actual teaching experience and to reflect on the observation experience.
You will receive a letter to present to a TEA-approved school outlining your need for classroom observations with the grade and content area in which you are seeking certification. You are required to have 50 hours of field-based experience, which includes 25 hours of classroom observation and 25 hours actively engaged in instructional or educational activities, completed in a TEA-accredited classroom setting in the content area/grade level you are pursuing. Each individual observation will also require reflection questions to be answered. These observations will be completed in two separate classes. Depending on when you take these classes, you will have 1-2 semesters to complete all 50 hours.
Benefits of Field-Based Observations
- 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 from an experienced public school teacher.
- Exposure to content curriculum, resources, technology, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) objectives, etc…
- Opportunities to study ethnic, racial and cultural differences.
- Opportunity to make a firm decision on whether or not a career in teaching is right for you.