FAQ's

Here's a list of the most common questions about Applying for Placement.  

1. I still haven't heard from the district. Should I worry? 

Districts have a significant amount of applications coming in. Every district is different. Some districts wait until a certain date to inform students about placements. Others complete placements on a first come / first served basis. Bottom line: be patient and work with your lab instructor if you are worried. 

2. I haven't heard back from the principal or teacher and I'm getting nervous. What should I do? 

Be patient. Teachers and principals are very busy at the beginning of the school year. Email and call. But then allow a few days to pass before reaching out again.  

3. Do I contact the school? And, if so, how do I do that? 

Human Resources will tell you how to best contact the school. Follow their instructions. You may contact the principal, or you may contact the teacher directly, depending on what Human Resources or Lab Instructor instructs you to do. 

 4. Do I have to fill out the placement forms or does the lab instructor? 

You need to start the application process with the district. Again, every district varies. Some districts require a signature and / or other information from the lab instructor. But it is your responsibility to submit the application. Check the page on choosing a district for more information.  

5. Should I apply in multiple districts? 

Some districts have limited placement, such as Allen and Plano. However, if you have met the application deadline in these districts, please wait until you hear about placement before applying in another district. If you are worried about completing a large number of hours, communicate with your lab instructor about the best course of action.  

6. I have already observed in a previous semester, do I have to fill out forms again? 

Yes, you must submit the forms again due to updates in information. 

7. I have multiple education classes. Do I have to complete 16 hours for each course? 

Yes, you must complete 16 hours for each education course. 

8. Am I able to observe at a district not listed?

Yes, you will need to view the districts website and follow the instructions to apply as a student observer. 

9.What is the difference between lab/observation/field experience?

Nothing. We use those terms interchangeably. The all refer to the 16-hour requirement of observing in K-12 schools.

10. Why do I have to do lab/observation/field experience?

This is a state requirement. Every student across Texas taking EDUC 1301 (and EDUC 2301) must fulfill this requirement. Many students say that this is their favorite part of the course.

11. Should I apply to multiple districts?

No. Please apply to only one district at this time. We don't want students to apply to multiple districts, then not actually have students show up to observe in some of those districts. The exception to this would be if you are applying to Allen ISD. In the past, Allen ISD has only taken 25 student observers total (from all the various colleges and universities that may be requesting spots). So, if you plan to apply to Allen ISD, then you may also need to apply to a second district.

12. I'm filling out the paperwork. Who should I list as my contact or supervisor?

Use our lab instructor's information (Ms. Jasmine Brisco). Her contact information is also listed on the syllabus.

13. What do I put when if it asks for certification level?

The certification level you think you may pursue: EC-6 (elementary) 4-8 (middle grades), 7-12 (secondary). If you want to teach elementary school, put EC-6. If you want to teach middle school, you may put either 4-8 or 7-12, but you will also need to put a content area. If you know you want to teach middle and/or high school, put 7-12, plus the specific content area (math, ELA, science etc.).

14. What if it asks for Content Area?

If you wish to teach middle or high school, content area refers to the subject you hope to teach (i.e., math, US Government, English, etc.)

What else?

If there is anywhere to indicate any sort of preference you have (i.e., 8th grade social studies, a particular school), please do so. 

15. What if I have a question you didn't answer?

Please reach out to our lab instructor, but please copy professor on all communication.

16. Do I have to submit something to the Lab Placement Request area of Canvas?

Maybe. If you need a letter, signature, or other documentation, then please fill out the lab request form from the Lab Manual and submit it in Canvas for Ms. Brisco, along with any other documents she might need to sign (ie, Frisco ISD has a specific document). If you need a letter, then you just need to fill out the lab request form.

17. Do I have to submit something to the Lab Application Information area of Canvas?

Yes. All students will submit in Canvas. This is you telling us where you have applied, what steps you have taken, and what you completed each step. 

19. The hour log form requires a teacher signature, but the teacher initialed it. What should I do?

Be sure to view the teacher signature after every visit so that you may catch the error in time. Ask the teacher to sign the form as a legible signature is required.

18. I prefilled my hour log form for the time I was going to start my observation hours, but I was late to my observation site. What should I do?

It is important to not fill out the in and out time prior to your observations beginning and ending. If there is a change (edit) you need to make on the form such as the in and out time. Make the change and have the observing teacher provide their initials by the change. 

19. I work in the school district that I want to complete my labs. Do I need to complete the student observation request?

Every district is different, but we have been informed by several districts that employees of the district are still required to complete the paperwork as a student observer so that they can have record of it. 

20. Do I have to complete the top portion of the hour log form and evaluation sheet?

Yes, you do have to complete the top portion of the hour log form and evaluation sheet as it includes essential information needed to confirm your observation site and observing teacher.