Introduction to Education
Instructor: Mrs. Taylor
Course Location: Dover High School, Room 200
Email: stephanie.taylor@doverschools.net
Course Description
Introduction to Education is designed with the intent to prepare high school students to become prospective Arkansas teachers. Students in this course will study the foundations of American education, including important historical moments and Acts, professional behavior, student needs and diversity, instructional methods, communication strategies for all stakeholders, and reflective practices to support learning. Students will collaborate with an Arkansas teacher to actively participate in classroom observations and field experience opportunities.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Understand the history and purpose of education in the U.S.
Identify key roles and responsibilities of educators.
Analyze educational philosophies and learning theories.
Explore teaching as a career and ethical responsibilities.
Develop lesson planning and classroom management strategies.
Engage in observation and/or field experiences.
Understand diversity and inclusion in educational settings.
Students will participate in limited classroom observations or shadowing experiences with certified educators, in accordance with school policy and availability. Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and a willingness to learn. They should observe classroom management strategies, teaching methods, and student interactions while maintaining confidentiality and respecting the teacher's authority. Active engagement through note-taking and reflection is encouraged, and they should ask thoughtful questions without disrupting instruction.
Expectations & Policies
Regular attendance and active participation are required.
Respect for peers, staff, and field professionals is mandatory.
All assignments must be completed on time.
Ethical and professional behavior is expected at all times.
Classroom & Workroom Policies and Procedures
In Accordance with Arkansas Act 122 (2025) — “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act”:
As required by Arkansas State Law Act 122, the use of personal electronic devices is prohibited during the school day, from the first bell to the dismissal bell.
This includes:
Cell phones
Smartwatches
Tablets
Laptops (unless school-issued and teacher-aproved)
Earbuds, headphones, Bluetooth devices
Any other personal electronic devices
Device may be confiscated and sent to the office
Violations will result in disciplinary action per school policy
📖 Legal Reference:
This policy follows Arkansas Code § 6-18-515, known as the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act,” requiring all public schools to prohibit student use of personal electronic devices during the school day to promote focus, academic success, and a positive learning environment.
Classroom Procedures -
Please remain seated in your assigned seat through the duration of the class period. If you need any assistance or have a specific need that would require you to leave your assigned seat please ask before you do so.
You will be required to sign out before leaving the room for any reason.
You are not allowed to keep any supplies/textbooks/binders in the classroom/workroom.
Due to the many of our assignments being online, you will need to have your computer charged and ready for use everyday.
Classwork Policy - Late work will be accepted for full credit one week after the due date that is listed in eSchool by the teacher. After the one week grace period, the student will receive 50% of the grade earned for one week. After two weeks the grade will turn to a 0. Extenuating circumstances will need to be brought to the attention of the teacher and a meeting set up with parents.
KINDNESS Policy - Rude or disrespectful comments towards the teacher or other students will not be tolerated. If a student makes a rude or disrespectful comment, they will be required to say two genuinely nice things about the person the comment was directed towards. Our new philosophy will be “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” All students are expected to be kind and respectful towards others in the class.
All students are expected to follow all rules and procedures listed in the student handbook.