The number of student teaching hours required for education majors at Walla Walla University has increased. This increase represents valuable experience for education majors and for their future students and meets requirements set by the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
“More time under the mentorship of a seasoned classroom teacher means more time to learn multiple strategies, work with a wider variety of student needs, and gain confidence in their own ability to teach and manage a classroom once they enter their career as a teacher,” says Debbie Muthersbaugh, professor of education and dean of the WWU School of Education and Psychology.
The number of hours required has increased from 250 to 450. This increase represents implementation of a yearlong teaching practicum. Teacher candidates are placed in a district school part-time during fall and winter quarters and full-time during spring quarter.
Students will experience a full year in the same classroom and will be able to participate in multiple class activities, such as academic fairs, field trips and other extracurricular activities.
“Teacher candidates also benefit from a loop of preparing and implementing lessons, supervisor and mentor feedback, and self-assessment during the yearlong student teaching experience,” says Muthersbaugh.
To learn more about studying education at WWU, visit www.wallawalla.edu/ed-psych.
