I've been subbing for a K teacher in one school quite often this semester. Today at recess, one of her teammates suggested that I should do my ST at that school. Later, I asked the teacher I was subbing for what she thought of the idea. Her face lit up, and said that she would fight to have me as her ST. :wub: Then she said that I should talk to the P, and see if there's anything he can do. After school I poked my head into his office. I told him that I really enjoyed his school, and wondered if there was any chance that I could ST there next year. He gave me a name of the field placement coordinator, and told me to call her and request his school. I'm trying to figure out the best way to approach this. Should I talk to the field office at my school first, and then talk to the coordinator for the school district? Or should I contact the district to see if this is even possible before contacting my school? I really think that this is an opportunity knocking, and I don't want to mess this up. :help:
You need to check with the practices/protocols of your program. My program specifically prohibits STs from going out and contacting schools for placements because it interferes with the established channels - the field coordinator is supposed to place you. However, it wouldn't prevent you from suggesting the program people to call/request a placement with a certain school. Thus, I think the wise thing would probably to talk to your school (credential program) people first, then have them contact the district you want to be placed. I think it is great that someone in the district wants you - it definitely increases the chances of being successful in a ST assignment! Good luck!
Call your school first. When I did my STing I wanted to do it at the school I was an aide at, but their schedule and my university's schedule didn't work together so I was unable. I was able to request my district though, and when it came time for my second placement I asked for a specfic school, but the teacher was assigned to me.
In my district, student teachers are allowed to request schools and the university tries to accommodate them if they can find enough willing cooperating teachers.
When i was in college, we weren't allowed to ST at any schools where we have close friends or family members... they don't want friction in case it's not a good placement for you. I don't know if that's normal everywhere, though. We requested a geographical area (1st, 2nd, 3rd choice) and were placed within it. Didn't have control over grade level or district or school.
I e-mailed my field office, and apparently I've already been placed! Sad news, but maybe it's for the best?
Be disappointed for a while...and then start getting excited about all the new people you will meet and the wonderful teaching experience you will have ahead of you!
I think it will end up being a good thing for you, as you will make even more contacts to help you get a job later on.
Everything happens for a reason. You have contacts already at this school, so now you will just make more at your ST placement school!
