Trumbull Career & Technical Center Teaching Academy Syllabi 2015-2016 Instructors: Debbie Ghindia, Ashley Chilton, Patti Krivosh A. Purpose and Description Recruit quality high school-age students for the profession Provide students with information about the challenges and opportunities offered by a career in education Give students advanced knowledge and possible college credit through academic course work, study of the teaching profession, and experiential learning activities Due to the fact that a high percentage of teachers approaching retirement age created a demand for teachers throughout the nation. It is estimated that more than 2.5 million new teachers nationwide will be needed in the current decade; 57,000 new teachers will be needed just for Ohio. The Teaching Academy is designed to offer first year students the opportunity to explore a variety of educational teaching experiences: preschool, early childhood (K-3), middle childhood (4-8), high school (9-12), and special education. Students time will be divided between lab and field experiences. In the lab setting they will exposed to foundations of education, effective instructional practices and personal discovery. In field they will observe teachers, interact with children, and reflect on the five areas of exploration. At the end of the first nine weeks, students and teachers will decide which pathway best suits each individual student. Early Childhood Pathway (students interested in obtaining an associates degree and working in a preschool or day care setting) or Teaching Professions Pathway (students interested in obtaining a bachelors degree and teaching in a K through 12th grade classroom.) B. Philosophy To allow Ohio youth to explore, experience, and prepare for a career in the field of education through challenging project-based curriculum in a technology-infused, structured learning environment C. Course Goals To provide students with an opportunity to experience both the challenges and benefits of a teaching career in a variety of classroom settings To provide a solid foundation that will lead to successful teaching careers To teach skills that will lead to lifelong learning To develop soft skills that will ensure successful employment in the future To prepare students to choose a career that is best suited to their interests and abilities 1 P a g e
D. Course Topics Lab curriculum: Junior Year: Teaching Academy Introduction to Education and Training Organizational Processes Communications Foundations of Education Safety and Health Technology Child Growth and Development Curriculum Strategies Instructional Strategies Family/Community Collaboration and Communications Professional Development and Growth Senior Year: Teaching Professions Pathway Learning and Developmental Characteristics Assessment Learning Environment Senior Year: Early Childhood Pathway Health, Safety and Nutrition Child Observation and Assessment Learning Environments and Experiences Child Care Business Operations A complete description of each topic can be found at http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/topics/school-choice/career-tech/career- Fields/Education-and-Training/Education-Training-Tech-Content-Standards.pdf.aspx Field Experience Junior Field Two days a week teaching and learning in the on site preschool education classes and a variety of classrooms throughout Trumbull County 2 P a g e
Early Childhood Pathway Field Two days a week teaching and learning in the on site preschool. Senior Early Childhood students will focus on controlling classroom environment and higher levels of responsibility for teaching and running a preschool operation. Teaching Professions Pathway Field Students selected for the K-12 pathway will choose two placements that are compatible with their interests and skills. Each placement will last one semester, two times a week. Students who are placed in field or in the preschool must adhere to a professional dress code in order to participate in lab. Any student whose grade drops below a C during the nine weeks will be excused from lab until grades have improved. E. Major Projects Field Experience in a variety of settings Technology infused projects Portfolio development Cooperative and Project Based learning Volunteer and community service Participation in Job Shadowing and Senior Project initiatives Reflective Teaching F. Assessments Assessments are based on developing lesson plans, units, and a professional portfolio that aligns with state content standards, student projects, tests and quizzes which will be graded through the use of rubrics, wherein the student, teacher, and parent will be aware of the criteria needed to achieve a specific grade. Grades are available through Progress Book on a continuous basis. Students will be eligible to take the Paraprofessional Exam at the end of their senior year if they have maintained a B average and 90% attendance throughout the year. G. Grading Grading scale is in accordance with TCTC policies: A 92-100% B 85-91% C 73-84% D 66-72% F 0-65% Assignment Due Dates and Credit for Late Work All homework and projects will be assigned a due date and all work is expected to be completed by that time. After that date, the teacher, at his or her discretion and depending on circumstances, may allow a one day 3 P a g e
extension, however all late work will be reduced in value by 15% (100% will now be 85%; 75% will now be 60% etc.). No work will be accepted more than one day late. Absence from class does not extend the deadline for work assigned. If a student is absent on a day an assignment is due, the work will be due immediately upon their return to class. H. Student Organizations All students will become active members of Educators Rising. There are two divisions of Educators Rising: Teaching Professions division and Early Childhood Education division. Each division will elect their own officers. All officers comprise the Executive Committee. I. Noteworthy Information Students in good standing will have the privilege of participating in Junior Job Shadowing. They must have a B average, 90% attendance, and no disciplinary infractions. A no cell phone policy will be strictly enforced during lab. Cell phones will be placed in a designated area and students may only use their phones during planned breaks. Any student suspended out of school (OSS) for disciplinary reasons will not be permitted to participate in field experience or work in the preschool for a period of no less than one week depending on the infracture. In addition, he/she will not be permitted to attend any overnight or off campus field trip. Any student who plagiarizes work will be subjected to the terms as described in the student handbook. 4 P a g e
Criteria for students to be eligible to return for their Senior year 1. All TCTC programs are made up of at least four courses. Students must pass a minimum of 50% of the courses in their program area in their junior year. If a course if offered in both the Junior and Senior year, the junior year course MUST be passed to continue on to the senior year. 2. Students should not have missed more than 18 days of classroom instruction for any reason. 3. Students not passing all courses in their program area in their junior year or missing more than 18 total days of class are required to attend a meeting with their parent, program teacher and the program supervisor to determine their likelihood for success with the circumstances that have resulted in failure. 4. If a student has failed a course in their program area in the junior year and is permitted to return, the student and parent must sign a form stating that they understand they are not permitted to participate in the senior ceremony. 5. Students with excessive absences or multiple major disciplinary offenses during their junior year must schedule a conference with the Dean of Students and a parent to determine their admission status for their senior year. 6. Students with additional barriers to graduation (including credit deficiencies and additional home school requirements), must develop and adhere to a plan to make up credits before they will be permitted to return for their senior year. Senior Completion Criteria: 1. Successful completion of a two year career/technical program and all program requirements with passing grades and activities; as well as academic classes needed for graduation. In Programs that have transitioned to courses, students must pass all program related courses in order to participate in the Senior Completion Ceremony. 2. Successful completion of all 4 phases of the Senior Project 3. Must maintain a 90% or better attendance record for two years 4. All fees must be paid to be eligible to participate in the Senior Ceremony. 5. Students must attempt all licensure and/or certification exams that they qualify to take in their program area. 5 P a g e