MAT students will participate in two separate field experiences:
EDCI 800 – Teaching Practicum
The practicum experience consists of a 10–12-week placement, totaling approximately 70 hours. This experience is designed to provide MAT learners with an opportunity to apply and strengthen the pedagogical knowledge and instructional strategies developed through their methods coursework.
During the practicum, MAT students will gain valuable hands-on experience in their assigned classroom and school setting, allowing them to connect their coursework to authentic teaching experiences and further develop their skills as educators.
EDCI 801 – Internship in P-12 Schools
The student teaching semester serves as the capstone field experience for MAT students and is an important opportunity to fully engage in the teaching profession. During this internship, teacher candidates are expected to dedicate their full attention to the program and take on the responsibilities and duties of a classroom teacher. This is a semester long commitment that begins when P12 schools return for the semester.
Because student teaching requires significant preparation, planning, and time in the classroom, it should be viewed as a full-time commitment. Teacher candidates are expected to complete their internship full-time, five days a week, in order to gain the most meaningful and comprehensive experience possible.
To support their success and allow adequate time for classroom responsibilities and preparation, the university recommends keeping outside activities and commitments to a minimum throughout the student teaching semester.
The Director of Field Experiences, in consultation with the Director of the MAT Program, coordinates placement assignments for both the practicum and internship experiences. Every effort will be made to accommodate MAT students’ needs and preferences regarding placement location and travel; however, placement preferences and locales are not guaranteed. All MAT students are required to complete the MAT Placement Application to assist with the placement process.
To ensure a high-quality and consistent field experience, all MAT placements must be completed in properly accredited school districts that are able to support the supervision of teacher candidates through distance education. This supervision model relies, in part, on video recordings that are securely uploaded to a secure, cloud-based server for review and evaluation.
School districts must agree to the terms outlined in the partnership Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in order to serve as a placement site. Specifically, placement partners agree to:
Allow teacher candidates to engage in classroom activities and present lessons—including whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction—under the guidance and supervision of the Site Supervisor and the University Supervisor.
Allow teacher candidates to use video and audio recording devices for the purposes of reflection, evaluation, and preparation of the Student Teacher Work Sample, the portfolio used by the University as an evaluation tool to inform recommendations for licensure.
When video or streaming technology is used, the School District is responsible for obtaining any required or desired parental notification and/or permission. The University will take reasonable measures to ensure that recorded materials are securely stored and are not publicly accessible.
Allow teacher candidates and site supervisors to provide feedback and evaluations regarding the overall student teaching experience and program.
The Practicum (EDCI 800) and Internship (EDCI 801) are completed in the same school and classroom whenever possible, allowing teacher candidates to become fully immersed in the school community and build meaningful relationships with students, teachers, and school personnel.
Students will be notified individually once their placement has been secured and all required documentation has been completed.
Questions regarding the placement process or potential placement decisions should be directed to Eileen Wertzberger, Director of Field Experiences, at ejm7777@k-state.edu.
Technology
Teacher candidates will be provided guidance on how to record and submit teaching video to Kansas State University for purposes of reflection, feedback, and evaluation. All questions about technology should be addressed to Dr. Mark Ellner, technology coordinator, at mrellner@k-state.edu.
Documentation
Before beginning their practicum or internship placement, MAT students are required to provide the Office of Field Experiences with documentation demonstrating that they have met all necessary health, safety, background, and professional requirements.
Prior to placement in a school setting, teacher candidates must provide documentation of the following:
All required documentation must be submitted and approved prior to beginning the assigned school placement. Students are responsible for ensuring that required certifications, screenings, and insurance coverage remain current throughout their field experience.