TIMELINE FOR UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR VISITS

Important Notes

Please review the following guidelines related to the student teaching timeline:

School Calendar Alignment:
Student Teachers follow the calendar of their assigned host school, not the WKU academic calendar.
- Fall placements begin on the first day of the public school calendar, which is typically earlier than WKU’s start date.
- Spring placements begin in early January, when school districts resume after winter break.
Flexible Weekly Timeline:
The weekly structure outlined in this timeline is approximate and may vary slightly depending on how the required 70 instructional days align with the school calendar.
International Student Teaching:
Students participating in International Student Teaching complete a shorter placement of 11–12 weeks instead of 16 weeks.
- The University Supervisor and Student Teaching Seminar Instructor will adjust the timeline and expectations to ensure a successful experience.
Gradual Increase in Teaching Responsibilities:
As Student Teachers begin taking on instructional duties (typically around Week 2):
- They should start by teaching one class or group
- Gradually add one additional class or subject each week
- Continue until they assume responsibility for all of the Mentor Teacher’s classes
Gradual Release of Responsibilities:
Toward the end of the placement:
- Student Teachers should gradually transition out of full teaching responsibilities
- This allows time for additional observations, reflection, and professional learning opportunities
Required Observations:
Student Teachers must complete 6 outside observations:
- 3 observations per 8-week placement, or
- 6 total observations during a 16-week placement
Seminar Attendance:
Student Teachers are required to attend all seminars scheduled by:
- The Office of Professional Educator Services
- EDU 489 Teacher Work Sample instructors
Attendance Policy (Effective Fall 2022):
- Student Teachers are allowed up to 3 absences
- Any additional missed days must be made up at the end of the semester
- Professional Development (PD) days and other instructional days count toward required attendance
Additional Calendar Information:
Please refer to the Attendance/Calendar section of the program website for specific district dates and details.

Timeline for University Supervisor Visits

First Placement (Weeks 1–8) OR Full 16-Week Placement Begins

Weeks 1–2: First Supervisor Visit (Initial Meeting)

During this visit, the University Supervisor will:

Meet with the Student Teacher and Mentor Teacher
Review grading procedures and expectations
Discuss weekly feedback forms used by the Mentor Teacher
Set dates for:
- The first formal observation (to occur in Weeks 3–5)
- A Teacher Work Sample (TWS) lesson observation (counts as one of the four required observations)
Review the Weekly Projected Schedule of Responsibilities
Plan for:
- A videotaped lesson
- Completion of the PGP Self-Assessment (within the first three full weeks)

Weeks 3–4: Second Supervisor Visit

During this visit, the University Supervisor will:

Conduct the 1st formal observation
Hold a post-observation conference
Review all current evidence, including Mentor Teacher feedback
Use evidence to score Domain 1 and Domain 4
Guide the Student Teacher to:
- Complete their Self-Assessment
- Develop a PGP goal and two supporting activities
Facilitate a 3-way conference (Supervisor, Mentor Teacher, Student Teacher)

Weeks 5–8: Third Supervisor Visit

During this visit, the University Supervisor will:

Conduct the 2nd formal observation (preferably the TWS lesson, if possible)
Hold a post-observation conference
Review updated evidence, including:
- Previous reflections
- Mentor Teacher feedback
Review PGP progress and activities (focus on Domain 4)
Facilitate a 3-way conference

Week 8: Fourth Supervisor Visit (Midterm/Final for First Placement)

During this visit, the University Supervisor will:

Conduct a 3-way conference to review:
- Final Evaluation (for 8-week placement), OR
- Midterm Evaluation (for 16-week placement)
Review the PGP Midterm Report
Submit evaluation results in Anthology

Second Placement (Weeks 9–16) OR Continuation of 16-Week Placement

Weeks 9–10: First Visit (If New Placement)

Only required if the Student Teacher begins a new placement with a different Mentor Teacher.

During this visit, the University Supervisor will:

Meet with the new Mentor Teacher and Student Teacher
Review grading procedures
Discuss weekly evaluation and feedback expectations
Set a date for the next formal observation
Review the Weekly Projected Schedule of Responsibilities

Weeks 11–13: Second Visit

During this visit, the University Supervisor will:

Conduct:
- 1st formal observation (for new placement), OR
- 3rd formal observation (for 16-week placement)
Hold a post-observation conference
Review updated evidence and Mentor Teacher feedback
Guide the Student Teacher in:
- Completing their Self-Assessment
- Updating their PGP goal and activities
Facilitate a 3-way conference

Weeks 14–16: Third Visit

During this visit, the University Supervisor will:

Conduct:
- 2nd formal observation (for new placement), OR
- 4th formal observation (for 16-week placement)
Hold a post-observation conference
Review all updated evidence and reflections
Review PGP progress (focus on Domain 4)
Facilitate a 3-way conference

Week 16: Final Supervisor Visit

During this visit, the University Supervisor will:

Review all observation data and Mentor Teacher feedback
Review the final PGP report (Domains 1 and 4)
Conduct a final 3-way conference to discuss evaluation results
Submit the Final Evaluation in Anthology

Key Reminders

A total of 4 formal observations are required
The Teacher Work Sample lesson must be observed during one of these visits
PGP (Professional Growth Plan) development and progress should be reviewed throughout the placement
3-way conferences are expected during each major visit

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