Preprofessional Experience Entrance Packet The entrance requirement (not application requirement) includes completion of 100 hours of documented volunteer, for course credit, or paid service in the community. The following criteria are required: At least two different experiences Approximately half of the required 100 hours must be experienced in an instructional setting where young adolescents are present One experience must be in a diverse setting with learners whose backgrounds differ from one s own, such as geographic locations; cultures; and/or race, ethnicity, and language Submission of a preprofessional experience package (include a set of forms for each experience) o o Self- Reflection Form: to document each experience and to help you connect your observations and activities to lessons you will be learning in teacher education classes Supervisor Interview Sheet: to gain additional perspective of this experience Deadline for Submission The due date for the preprofessional experience package is the third Friday in August. If the package is not submitted online to the Middle Grades Education program by this deadline, you will not be allowed to join the fall cohort. Eligible Experiences You may start any time during your senior year of high school up until entering the Middle Grades Education Program. If you are a transfer student, late applicant, or other non-traditional student, please contact the middle grades education department, as special accommodations (such as an extended timeline) may be offered to you. Approximately half of the required 100 hours be experienced in an instructional setting where young adolescents are present. The key word here is approximately. Try your best to have as close to 50 hours as possible in such a setting. Each experience you complete must be unique; as a result, all forms must be fully completed for each experience. You must interview your supervisor to complete the forms; if your supervisor is not available, you must complete an additional experience. Examples of Preprofessional Experiences Substitute teacher or paraprofessional YMCA, YWCO coach Boy Scout or Girl Scout aide Boys and Girls Club instructor or mentor Social service agency translator (e.g., Department of Family and Children s Services) Head Start aide Homeless shelter resource coordinator Day camp leader Swim instructor Health service volunteer City/County recreation centers/departments (e.g., tennis or softball coach) Summer school tutor Technology center instructor Mentor program volunteer School club instructor Alternative school tutor Environmental volunteer After school program helper Service learning classes in high school and college Early Community Experiences Opportunities in Northeast Georgia
Preprofessional Experience Entrance Requirement Self-Reflection Form (Complete for each experience) Preprofessional Experience Name: Describe your preprofessional experience, including the site, your role and responsibilities (instructional or otherwise) in the experience, and whether it was a paid or volunteer position. Date Completed: Number of Hours: Preprofessional Experience Contact Information Contact Name: Address: City: State: ZIP: Phone (include area code): Email: Please review and analyze your preprofessional experience in relation to your career goals and your education. 1. Why did you choose this experience? 2. What community issue, concern, or need did this experience address? If none, explain. 3. In what ways were the groups you worked with or the settings you were in different from your own background? Page 1
The College of Education Middle Grades Education Program The University of Georgia 4. How was this experience related to your interest in teaching young adolescents (ages 10-15) as a career? 5. What did you find most satisfying about your preprofessional experience and why? 6. What aspects of your experience did you find difficult and why? 7. How has your understanding of young adolescents, families, and communities changed as a result of this experience? 8. What have you learned about your own interests, needs, and concerns as a result of this experience? 9. What other insights or thoughts about this experience would you like to share? 10. Think of three main thoughts or ideas from your supervisor interview. What did you learn that might make a difference in your decision to become a middle level teacher? Page 2
Preprofessional Experience Entrance Requirement Supervisor Interview Sheet (complete for each experience) Your Name: Preprofessional Experience Name: Supervisor's Name: Address: Phone (include area code: Email: Suggested Questions: Please include a transcript (typed below) of your interview. Use the information from this interview to complete Question 10 on the Preprofessional Experience Reflection Form. 1. What motivated you to work in your career field? 2. What qualities are assets when working with young adolescents, families, and/or communities? 3. How do you feel you have made a difference in the lives of people you encounter in your work? 4. What are the reasons for successes you have experienced in your career? 5. What should be the roles of teachers as professionals, both within and outside the school? 6. What advice would you give to someone (like me) who is interested in teaching young adolescents? Page 3
Interview Transcript: