Teacher Preparation Pathway
The Teacher Preparation Pathway is designed for students who wish to explore a career in education. Utilizing in-depth exploration and experiences, students learn by doing. Whether planning and implementing lesson plans or garnering important real-world experience at Smithfield High School, Gallagher Middle School, and Pleasant View Elementary, our Teacher Preparation Pathway students enjoy a personalized environment that focuses on the skills required to succeed in education.
Core Courses
7500 Foundations of Education EEP
Students develop and use tools for critical analysis of social justice realities in education. They explore the meanings of basic social justice concepts and apply them to teaching and learning, along with the changing role of teachers. Learning experiences provide opportunities to reflect on personal identity and social commitment to education for social justice through course readings, discussions, reflections, and media artifact and video analysis. Students explore the importance, and experience the essence, of observing teachers in action in elementary, middle, and high school settings. Students will begin to use a social justice lens as they develop observation skills. Students gain multiple perspectives of teaching, learning, and school community during these early field experiences. Rhode Island College 2 credits FNED 101: Introduction to Teaching and Learning EEP ; required for admission to the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development
7506 New American Schools
Students will gain an overview of the history of American education, examine current issues facing American schools, research innovative schools nationwide, and ultimately design their own ideal school. Students will examine the profession of teaching and its evolution through the Educators Rising Curriculum. Students will also conduct beginning clinical observations in classrooms focused on classroom culture (Educators Rising - Micro-Credential: Classroom Culture), student engagement, and teaching and learning, as well as assisting teachers when appropriate (approximately 15-20 hours). This course is required to complete the Teacher Preparation Pathway. This course may be taken as an elective for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who are not enrolled in the Educator Preparation CTE program, but are interested in the issue of education.
7513 Psychology of Learning
Educators need to know how students learn as well as what motivates them to learn. Students will learn the science and psychology of learning with an emphasis on adolescent psychology. The course will examine the educational theories of learning and explore research on the impact of classroom culture and curriculum on adolescent learning. Students will be able to have discussions with educators in the field about the application of the learning theories discussed within the course and, at times, see them in action through classroom observations (approximately 5-10 hours). Students will also engage in research and discussion around the Educators Rising Curriculum specifically looking at the student and classroom engagement (Educators Rising - Micro-Credential: Classroom Engagement). This course is required to complete the Teacher Preparation Pathway. This course may be taken as an elective for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who are not enrolled in the Educator Preparation CTE program, but are interested in psychology.
7514 Teacher Practicum
Students will have the opportunity to assist classroom teachers over the course of a school year. Students will gain experience designing learning activities, finding appropriate resources, managing student engagement, conducting formative assessment and providing extra help and support to individual or small groups of students. Students will go through an interview process to build communication and professional skills, as well as find out their interests within education. Internship experiences will be provided at all levels (elementary, middle, and high school; approximately 60 hours). Additionally, students will work with the master teacher to identify areas of need as they work towards completion. CPR certification is embedded in this course. This course is required to complete the Teacher Preparation Pathway and is limited to students enrolled in this pathway.