EDU 4291
Student Teaching

Course-related information:

Course Rationale:

Student teaching immerses aspiring teachers into the practical realities involved in educating youth.  Student teachers experience all of the duties related to teaching (under the supervision of a cooperating educator and a Villanova supervisor) and fulfill all of the responsibilities associated with functioning as a professional educator.  Functioning alongside their cooperating educator, student teachers also function as colleagues as they interact with various support personnel (e.g., the school nurse, librarian, social worker, guidance counselor, psychologist, principal).

Instructionally, student teachers plan, teach, and evaluate instructional materials in their subject area.  In addition, student teachers identify their students' similarities and differences.   And, student teachers engage in various curricular and co-curricular activities that support classroom instruction, including the school's testing and guidance functions as well as extra-curricular activities.

As a member of the faculty, student teachers engage in the community served by the school to understand and appreciate the economic and social aspects of the community which the school serves.  From this, student teachers comprehend more fully how environment and background affect student growth and development.

In sum, student teaching provides the conditions through which student teachers better understand and comprehend the role of the school in the overall American educational system.  Student teaching also provides the experiences that will enable student teachers to come to a reasonable decision concerning whether or not they will dedicate themselves to the noble profession of educating the nation's young people.  Successful completion of student teaching is the capstone of Villanova University's undergraduate teacher education program, preparing the student for licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.