University Supervisor

Role of the University Supervisor

The university supervisor serves as a critical liaison between school districts/agencies and Portland State University, acting as a consultant and resource to support both institutions during the practicum. This role involves facilitating problem-solving, enhancing communication, and fostering collaboration among all parties. The cooperating teacher and teacher candidate should view the university supervisor as a key resource throughout the practicum experience.

Key Responsibilities of the University Supervisor:

Facilitation and Communication:

• Act as a bridge between school districts/agencies and Portland State University to ensure clear communication and access to resources.

• Communicate course assignments and responsibilities to the teacher candidate and cooperating teacher.

Observation and Feedback:

• Observe the teacher candidate’s performance in assessing, instructing, and managing students at least three times per term, with at least one observation conducted face-to-face.

• Use distance technologies for synchronous or asynchronous observations when supervising candidates located more than an hour away.

• Provide objective, written feedback using the Observation of Teaching Candidate Teaching Skills form and offer targeted feedback.

Mentorship and Support:

• Guide the teacher candidate in planning, reflecting, and problem-solving throughout the practicum.

• Support the teacher candidate in developing a self-directed SMART goal and provide ongoing guidance to help them track progress and achieve their objective.

• Review and contribute to bi-weekly journals in the teacher candidate's  Candidate Field Experiences Portfolio

• Be available to the teacher candidate and cooperating teacher for problem-solving and resource support.

Collaboration and Evaluation:

• Plan and conduct three-way conferences with the teacher candidate and cooperating teacher to discuss performance and skill mastery.

• Participate in midpoint and final evaluation meetings and work with the cooperating teacher to determine the teacher candidate’s grade.

• Complete midpoint and final evaluations and input data into Tk20.

Portfolio and Grading:

• Provide feedback and grade selected course assignments within the candidate's Candidate Field Experiences Portfolio.

• Record grades in a shared grading spreadsheet.

Professional Development:

• Engage in approximately 11 hours of professional development per academic year.

• By maintaining a close working relationship with the cooperating teacher and teacher candidate, the university supervisor ensures a collaborative and supportive practicum experience focused on professional growth and skill development.