Jump in…and Get Experience Teaching!

Virtually every teacher has one thing in common – an ongoing love for learning that extends far beyond degree requirements.  As an education major, you’re encouraged to become active in your program, both inside and outside the classroom. Gain lots of practical, real-world experience and develop the professional skills you’ll need for a successful teaching career.

Hands-on learning can happen in a variety of ways, both informally and formally. Here are a few examples:

Professional Development
Professional development begins while you’re still a student, and it continues for the duration of your teaching career. As a student at FHSU, attend professional conferences and workshops, participate in educational organizations, learn from guest speakers and take advantage of field trips and other events to network with professional educators around the state.

Learn by Doing
If you’re pursuing a degree in secondary education, much of your “hands-on” experience happens outside the Department of Teacher Education. For example, if you want to teach music, consider getting involved with the Western Kansas String Academy, or if you plan to be a math teacher, help with the annual Math Relays competition that brings nearly 500 high school students to campus.

After School Programs
Another way to put your new knowledge and skills into practice is by participating in a local after school program. Serve as a tutor, or be part of a team that develops lesson plans, teaches and assess student learning.

Student Teaching
In the last year of your program, pair up with an experienced mentor for your 16-week student teaching experience. Master teachers are selected by principals and FHSU placement personnel to guide you in the final phase of your preservice experience. Hear what students teachers have to say about the program.

Student Teaching Elementary Education Video 
 
Student Teaching Secondary Education Video 

TEAM K-6 and ECU Internships
The purpose of Internship I, II, and III (TEAM) is to provide an opportunity for initial candidates to obtain experience in the teaching and assessment of social studies, reading and language arts, mathematics, and science.  The purpose of Internship I, II, and III (ECU) is to provide an opportunity for candidates to obtain experience in the teaching and assessment of art, music, health/P.E., social studies, language development, math and science.  Management of a classroom, making adjustments for individual student needs, utilizing developmentally appropriate practices, and reflecting are enhanced under the supervision of education faculty and quality mentor teachers.  

“I would like to take the time to tell you what a wonderful experience my class had with our intern. We hope that you will consider us in the future.”
              -Laura Foss at Sacred Heart Grade School in Plainville, Kansas

Internship Frequently Asked Questions 

Internship Handbook  

Mentor Teacher Requirements 

Supervision Requirements: ECU Birth to Age 3 Internship

What does it mean to be a professional educator?

Learn more about the internship program by viewing the video:
Internship Video
Programa de prácticas

For more examples of how you will put your classroom knowledge into action, contact us to speak with a faculty advisor in the Department of Teacher Education.