The observation component is to be completed in classrooms other than the assigned student teaching classroom. Observations may be done at the school site in other classrooms or at other schools and classrooms of the student’s choice and in a variety of K-8 classrooms, the grade levels covered by the credentials to be issued to the student. It is best if done in blocks of 2 hours or more. Observations at the high school, junior college, or college levels are not acceptable. Your teacher and/or your supervisor are a valuable source as to which teachers would be good to observe.

In elementary placements the observation component can be completed several different ways:

• During the first few weeks of the student teaching experience when you are already observing your class while transitioning to teaching, take the opportunity to observe other classes in the same school.

• Different schools observe different holidays so your school may be off when another school isn’t. Also, SDA schools and public schools often have different days off.

• During your school’s spring break, if it is different than other schools.

• During the final week of the experience, after the 4 weeks of co-teaching/solo teaching have been completed. 

In secondary placements the observation component can be met in several ways, similar to elementary. Due to the nature of secondary teaching it can also be completed on a daily basis. Each day the teacher candidate teaches 4 periods, has one preparation period, and observes for one period. This is easily done in a large school but may be more difficult in a smaller setting. 

There are a few additional ways to meet this requirement:

• During the first few weeks of the student teaching experience when you are already observing your class while transitioning to teaching, take the opportunity to observe other classes in the same school.

• Arrange ahead of time with your Mentor Teacher and Supervisor to take a day or half day off to observe in another school.

• Different schools observe different holidays; your school may be off when another school isn’t. SDA schools and public schools often have different days off.

• During your school’s spring break, if it is different than other schools.

• During the final week of the experience, after the 4 weeks of solo teaching and/or co-teaching have been completed.

While it is preferred that observations take place within the content area of the credential in grades 9-12 (grades 6-8 are also acceptable if needed), it is also acceptable for observations to occur in other content areas. Secondary candidates are encouraged to plan for observation times each week, whether observations take place on their campus or on other campuses. Candidates can get ideas from their Mentor Teacher and from their Supervisor on which teachers to observe. Observing good teaching practices from a variety of teachers will go a long way towards helping candidates formulate their own "best practice" teaching habits.