College of Education
PO Box 5774
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5774
(928) 523-2611
Copyright © 2010
The Plan
Over the course of 18 months, Praxis preservice teachers (candidates) will spend a great amount of time in the real world of general education and special education classrooms. Initially, they may spend the majority of that time observing students and learning classroom procedures. This is a "kid watching" period that enables the Praxis PreService Teachers to better understand the developmental characteristics of elementary and middle school students. Gradually, they assume greater teaching responsibilities. In addition, they observe Partner Teachers modeling age-appropriate instructional practices.
Following the observation period, the Praxis Preservice Candidates spend the remaining time in their different classroom placements engaging in teaching, continued observation, and other teaching related activities. Most of the practicum time occurs in the morning. In the afternoons, the focus is on the theoretical foundations of education. At this time, candidates take their methods classes linking theory to practice. Theory is applied to addressing real classroom concerns heightening its meaningful application to the process.
It is expected that Praxis Preservice Teachers will be assuming more and more responsibility for teaching, especially in the last two placements. As the semesters pass, knowledge, practice, and confidence increase, preparing candidates for the transition to student teaching and success in future teaching experiences.
