December 10, 2021
UPDATED COE Teacher Preparation Programs Field Policy
Spring 2022
UHM Campus Status: The University of Hawai’i will deploy a COVID-19-aware approach to providing a safe, high-quality education for new and returning students, faculty and support staff. Please continue to follow the UHM COVID-19 Guidelines at: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/covid19/
The 2022 COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination for Students Policy, effective January 3, 2022, is found here: https://www.hawaii.edu/covid19/. The policy states:
Non-vaccinated students and less than Fully Vaccinated Students, regardless of test result (i.e., even if the test is negative), may be ineligible for some educational activities (e.g., clinical and field work), that may prevent them from completing educational requirements, employment opportunities, and/or participation in certain face-to-face activities.
Requirements for Candidates in Student Teaching/Internship Courses
For Spring 2022 semester and thereafter, all candidates shall complete supervised clinical experience in student teaching or internship in a Hawaii public, charter, or private school at the appropriate grade level(s) and in the subject(s) for which they are seeking licensure. Candidates in student teaching or internship will be assigned a mentor teacher in a PK-12 classroom setting with whom they will work, as is standard practice. The student teaching requirements and placement for each candidate will be approved by the program Chair in consultation with the program faculty. Candidates will be expected to fulfill requirements by working face-to-face (in-person) in the schools with their mentor teachers and PK-12 students, following all Hawaii public, charter, or private school guidelines and UHM safety procedures. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Maintain social distancing from all students, staff, and faculty in the schools.
- Wear a face mask at all times when on school site and when interacting face to face.
- Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer.
- Sanitize your work space and materials frequently.
- Stay at home if you feel sick.
In-person observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University Supervisors; in-person observations may be supplemented by virtual observations at the discretion of the program Chair. Additionally, candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their student teaching/internship requirements. Student teachers will follow the work expectations of their mentor teacher and the university supervisor. (Exceptions to f2f instruction may be approved at the discretion of the chair and upon approval of the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.)
For those in an internship, emergency hire teaching position (on-the-job, OJT), the university supervisor and/or coordinator will be communicating with each OJT candidate and with the school principal in order to determine if the placement satisfies the COE student teaching requirements for teacher licensure. OJT candidates must be completing an internship in a Hawaii public, charter, or private school at the appropriate grade level(s) and in the subject(s) for which they are seeking licensure. OJT candidates will be performing the expectations for their hired position, as determined by the school principal. If the placement is approved, each candidate will be provided with a syllabus reflecting the internship requirements for teacher licensure. The UH supervisor will communicate with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the requirements of the syllabus and clarify expectations for each candidate. School personnel are encouraged to contact their COE liaisons with questions and concerns.
Candidates in Field Courses (other than student teaching/internship courses)
1st – 3rd Semester Field Experience Courses: Each program Chair, in collaboration with the program faculty and schools, will decide upon requirements for candidates in field experience courses. Candidates in field courses may or may not be assigned to work with a mentor teacher and PK-12 students, depending upon the requirements of the program. A syllabus reflecting the field course requirements will be provided to each candidate. If the program requires, candidates will be expected to complete field experience face-to-face in a Hawaii public, charter, or private school with their mentor teacher and PK-12 students. Candidates must follow all school guidelines and UHM safety procedures. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Maintain social distancing from all students, staff, and faculty in the schools.
- Wear a face mask at all times when on school site and when interacting face to face.
- Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer.
- Sanitize your work space and materials frequently.
- Stay at home if you feel sick.
In-person observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University Supervisors; in-person observations may be supplemented by virtual observations at the discretion of the program Chair. Additionally, candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a requirement for their field experience course. All field candidates will be given a syllabus reflecting the requirements for their field course.
For candidates who are emergency hires or working in the schools, the requirements of that position may or may not fulfill the requirements of the field course. The UH supervisor will communicate with the candidate and the appropriate school personnel to discuss the requirements of the field course syllabus and clarify expectations for each candidate. School personnel are encouraged to contact their COE liaisons with questions and concerns.
August 16, 2021
UPDATED COE Teacher Preparation Programs Field Policy
Fall 2021–Spring 2022
UHM Campus Status: The University of Hawai’i will deploy a COVID-19-aware approach to providing a safe, high-quality education for new and returning students, faculty and support staff. Please continue to follow the UHM COVID-19 Guidelines at https://www.hawaii.edu/covid19/.
Requirements for Candidates in Student Teaching/Internship Courses
For Fall 2021 semester, candidates in student teaching or internship will be assigned a mentor teacher in a PK-12 classroom setting with whom they will work, as is standard practice. The student teaching requirements and placement for each candidate will be approved by the program Chair in consultation with the program faculty. Candidates will be expected to fulfill requirements by working face-to-face (in-person) in the schools with their mentor teachers and PK-12 students, following all HIDOE, charter school, or private school guidelines and UHM safety procedures. These may include:
- Maintain social distancing from all students, staff, and faculty in the schools.
- Wear a face mask at all times when on school site and when interacting face to face.
- Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer.
- Sanitize your work space and materials frequently.
- Stay at home if you feel sick.
If a candidate expresses health and safety concerns to their field supervisor regarding in-person participation, the program Chair has the discretion to consider alternatives which may include: allowing the candidate to complete student teaching with virtual participation, re-assigning the candidate to a virtual classroom setting, allowing the candidate to delay student teaching to another semester when the in-person requirement may be fulfilled, or other. A syllabus reflecting the student teaching requirements will be provided to each candidate.
In-person observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University Supervisors, when possible; in-person observations may be supplemented by virtual observations at the discretion of the program Chair. The program Chair also has the discretion to assign University Supervision to be conducted solely by virtual observation. Whether in-person or virtual observation, candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their student teaching/internship requirements. Student teachers will follow the work expectations of their mentor teacher and the university supervisor, which should include face-to-face instruction of PK-12 students.
For those in an internship, emergency hire teaching position (on-the-job, OJT), the university supervisor and/or coordinator will be communicating with each OJT candidate and with the school principal in order to approve the placement as satisfying the COE student teaching requirements. OJT candidates will be performing the expectations for their hired position, as determined by the school principal. For the purposes of the COE internship experience, each candidate will be provided with a syllabus to follow reflecting their internship requirements. The UH supervisor will communicate with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the requirements of the syllabus and clarify expectations for each candidate. School personnel are encouraged to contact their COE liaisons with questions and concerns.
Candidates in Field Courses (other than student teaching/internship courses)
1st – 3rd Semester Field Experience Courses: Each program Chair, in collaboration with the program faculty and schools, will decide upon requirements for candidates in field experience courses. Candidates in field courses may or may not be assigned to work with a mentor teacher and PK-12 students, depending upon the requirements of the program. If the program requires, candidates will be expected to fulfill requirements by working face-to-face in the schools with their mentor teacher and PK-12 students, following all HIDOE, charter school, or private school guidelines and UHM safety procedures. These may include:
- Maintain social distancing from all students, staff, and faculty in the schools.
- Wear a face mask at all times when on school site and when interacting face to face.
- Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer.
- Sanitize your work space and materials frequently.
- Stay at home if you feel sick.
If a candidate expresses health and safety concerns to their field supervisor regarding in-person participation, the program Chair has the discretion to consider alternatives which may include: allowing the candidate to complete field experience with virtual participation, re-assigning the candidate to a virtual classroom setting, allowing the candidate to delay field experience to another semester when the in-person requirement may be fulfilled, or other. A syllabus reflecting the field course requirements will be provided to each candidate.
In-person observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University Supervisors, when possible; in-person observations may be supplemented by virtual observations at the discretion of the program Chair. The program Chair also has the discretion to assign University Supervision to be conducted solely by virtual observation. Whether in-person or virtual observation, candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a requirement for their field experience course. All field candidates will be given a syllabus reflecting the requirements for their field course. (We recognize that candidates who are emergency hires are working in the schools; however, the requirements of that position may or may not fulfill the requirements of the field course.)
April 8, 2021
COE Teacher Preparation Programs Field Policy (updates above)
Fall 2021–Spring 2022
At this time, the College of Education (COE) plans to resume face-to-face field courses in fall 2021 semester, adhering to UHM guidelines for providing a safe, high-quality education.
UHM Campus Status: The University of Hawai’i will deploy a COVID-19-aware approach to providing a safe, high-quality education for new and returning students, faculty and support staff. Please continue to follow the UHM COVID-19 Guidelines at https://www.hawaii.edu/covid19/
Requirements for Candidates in Student Teaching/Internship Courses
Beginning fall 2021 semester, candidates in student teaching or internship will be assigned a mentor teacher in a PK-12 classroom setting with whom they will work, as is standard practice. The student teaching requirements and placement for each candidate will be approved by the program Chair, in consultation with the program faculty. Candidates will be expected to fulfill requirements by working face-to-face (in-person) in the schools with their mentor teachers and PK-12 students, following all HIDOE, charter school, or private school guidelines and UHM safety procedures. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Maintain social distancing from all students, staff, and faculty in the schools.
- Wear a face mask at all times when on school site and when interacting face to face.
- Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer.
- Sanitize your work space and materials frequently.
- Stay at home if you feel sick.
In-person observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University Supervisors; in-person observations may be supplemented by virtual observations at the discretion of the program Chair. In addition, candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their student teaching/internship requirements. Student teachers will follow the work expectations of their mentor teacher and the university supervisor, which should include face-to-face instruction of PK-12 students. A candidate may request a virtual experience in lieu of in-person, if they express health and safety concerns to their field supervisor. The Chair of the program will make the final decision for any exception requests, which may include: allowing the candidate to complete student teaching with virtual participation, re-assigning the candidate to a virtual classroom setting, or allowing the candidate to delay student teaching to another semester when the in-person requirement may be fulfilled. A syllabus reflecting the student teaching requirements will be provided to each candidate.
For those in an internship, emergency hire teaching position (on-the-job, OJT), the university supervisor and/or coordinator will be communicating with each OJT candidate and with the school principal in order to approve the placement as satisfying the COE student teaching requirements. OJT candidates will be performing the expectations for their hired position, as determined by the school principal. For the purposes of the COE internship experience, each candidate will be provided with a syllabus to follow reflecting their internship requirements. In-person observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University Supervisors; in-person observations may be supplemented by virtual observations at the discretion of the program Chair. Candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their student teaching/internship requirements. The UH supervisor will communicate with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the requirements of the syllabus and clarify expectations for each candidate. School personnel are encouraged to contact their COE liaisons with questions and concerns.
Candidates in Field Courses (other than student teaching/internship courses)
1st – 3rd Semester Field Experience Courses: Each program Chair, in collaboration with the program faculty and schools, will decide upon requirements for candidates in field experience courses. Candidates in field courses may or may not be assigned to work with a mentor teacher and PK-12 students, depending upon the requirements of the program. If the program requires, candidates will be expected to fulfill requirements by working face-to-face in the schools with their mentor teacher and PK-12 students, following all HIDOE, charter school, or private school guidelines and UHM safety procedures. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Maintain social distancing from all students, staff, and faculty in the schools.
- Wear a face mask at all times when on school site and when interacting face to face.
- Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer.
- Sanitize your work space and materials frequently.
- Stay at home if you feel sick.
In person observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University Supervisors; in-person observations may be supplemented by virtual observations at the discretion of the program chair. In addition, candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a requirement for their field experience course. All field candidates will be given a syllabus reflecting the requirements for their field course. (We recognize that candidates who are emergency hires are working in the schools; however, the requirements of that position may or may not fulfill the requirements of the field course.) A candidate may request a virtual experience in lieu of in-person, if they express health and safety concerns to their field supervisor. The Chair of the program will make the final decision for any exception requests, which may include: allowing the candidate to complete the field experience course with virtual participation, re-assigning the candidate to a virtual classroom setting, or allowing the candidate to delay the field course to another semester when the in-person requirement may be fulfilled. A syllabus reflecting the field course requirements will be provided to each candidate.
December 29, 2020
COE POLICY FOR FIELD EXPERIENCE/STUDENT TEACHING/INTERNSHIP SPRING 2021
Candidates in Student Teaching/Internship Courses
For Spring 2021 semester, candidates in student teaching or internship will be assigned and work with a mentor teacher as is standard practice. The candidate will be required to demonstrate performance in teaching through a variety of means. Candidates may fulfill requirements by working virtually with their mentor teacher and PK–12 students. Virtual observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University supervisors. Candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their student teaching. Candidates may be offered the opportunity, but not required, to physically attend their student teaching sites or to interact face-to-face with their mentor teachers (MT) in the schools, following HIDOE, charter school, or private school guidelines and UHM safety procedures, which may include:
● Maintaining six feet of social distancing from all students, staff, and faculty in the schools.
● Wearing a face mask at all times when on school site and when interacting face-to-face.
● Washing hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer.
● Sanitizing your work space and materials frequently.
● Staying at home if you feel sick.
Student teachers will have the option to follow the work expectations of their mentor teachers, which may include face-to-face instruction, a combination of face-to-face and online instruction, or all online instruction; or to follow a completely online student teaching experience. The decision for each candidate will be made collaboratively by the candidate, the field supervisor, and the mentor teacher per approval by the Chair of the teacher preparation program. In no instance will a candidate be required to attend a school site face-to-face if they express health and safety concerns to their field supervisor. When finalized, a syllabus reflecting their student teaching requirements will be provided to each candidate.
For those in internship emergency hire teaching positions (on-the-job, OJT), the university supervisor and/or coordinator will communicate with each OJT candidate and with the school administrators to discuss the options. OJT candidates will be performing the expectations for their hired position, which may include face-to-face instruction, a combination of face-to-face and online instruction, or all online instruction, as dictated by the school administration. However, OJT candidates will have the option of following the work expectations of their position to satisfy the COE internship requirements, or to follow an online internship experience. For the purposes of the COE internship experience, the decision for each candidate will be made collaboratively by the candidate, the field supervisor, and the Chair of the teacher preparation program. When finalized, the candidates will be provided with a syllabus to follow reflecting their internship requirements.
For all candidates who will continue to work with the MTs and schools, the supervisor will communicate with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the requirements of the syllabus and clarify expectations for each candidate. School personnel are encouraged to contact their COE liaisons with questions and concerns. If for any reason a mentor teacher is not available, the COE field supervisor will work to provide alternate online experiences to meet modified course expectations for the student teaching or internship course.
Candidates in Field Courses (other than student teaching/internship courses)
1st Semester Field Experience: Candidates may or may not be assigned to work with a mentor teacher and PK–12 students for 1st semester field. Candidates in field experience courses may be assigned to work with a mentor teacher for completing their field course, or may be assigned activities to complete in lieu of working with a mentor teacher and PK–12 students. Program faculty, in collaboration with the candidates and schools and with the approval of the program Chair, will decide upon requirements for candidates in the 1st semester field. Candidates may fulfill requirements by working virtually with their mentor teacher and PK–12 students. Virtual observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University supervisors. Candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching, or to engage in other educational activities as a requirement for 1st semester field. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their field experience. However, programs may choose to assign candidates to complete activities that do not require collaboration with the schools, mentor teachers, or PK–12 students. All field candidates will be given a syllabus reflecting the requirements for their 1st semester field course. (We recognize that candidates who are emergency hires are working in the schools; however, the requirements of that position may or may not fulfill the requirements of the field course.)
2nd & 3rd Semester Field Experience: Candidates in 2nd and 3rd semester field courses will be assigned to work with a mentor teacher and PK–12 students. Candidates may be given the option, but will not be required, to physically attend their field placement sites or work face-to-face with their mentor teachers as a condition for completing their field course. Candidates may fulfill requirements by working virtually with their mentor teacher and PK–12 students, attending the school site face-to-face, or a combination of an online and face-to-face experience. Program faculty, in collaboration with the candidate and school, will decide upon requirements for candidates in 2nd & 3rd semester field experiences. In no instances will a candidate be required to work face-to-face or physically attend a school site if they express health and safety concerns to their field supervisor. Virtual observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University supervisors. Candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching, or to engage in other educational activities as a requirement for 2nd & 3rd semester field. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their field experience. All field candidates will be given a syllabus reflecting the requirements for their 2nd or 3rd semester field course. (We recognize that candidates who are emergency hires are working in the schools; however, the requirements of that position may or may not fulfill the requirements of the field course.) If for any reason a mentor teacher is not available, the COE field supervisor will work to provide alternate online experiences to meet modified course expectations for the field course.
August 21, 2020
The top priority of the College of Education (COE) is the health and safety of all our faculty, staff, and students. We encourage you to communicate with your instructors, cohort coordinators, program directors, or department chairs to express any COVID-19 related concerns. Here are some of the latest updates and important guidelines as we enter the 2020 Fall Semester. More information can be found at UH System COVID-19 Guidelines and Face Covering FAQs as well as our COE website.
- A UH health screening check-in app is now available. Anyone who enters a UH campus or off-campus facility must check in using the LumiSight UH app.
- All COE courses in the fall are being offered online or in a hybrid format. If a candidate is enrolled in a hybrid course that requires face-to-face meetings, the candidate may choose to notify the instructor of their health and safety concerns in which case online alternatives will be provided.
- If attending a face-to-face class, please adhere to the distance and face covering guidelines. Classrooms have been reconfigured for social distancing with specified entry and exit points for flow of people.
- Please remember that anyone coming to campus will be required to wear an acceptable face covering while on campus–indoors and outdoors. This includes all employees, students, and campus visitors. If you do not have a face covering while on campus, you will be sent home. Wear facial coverings or face masks when outside or inside any COE facility; this includes Wist Hall, Every Hall, FROGS, modular classrooms, UHS buildings, Castle Memorial, and the PE Complex.
- Acceptable face coverings include:
- Cloth masks, two-ply cotton with loops or ties on the side
- Two-ply cotton cloth bandanas
- Surgical-style and dental masks with straps
- Plastic face shields, but only when used in combination with the above acceptable face coverings
- Candidates are encouraged to seek support services for mental health needs and coping with stress. These services are available through UHM and COE OSAS (resources for support services will also be posted on signage throughout the COE facilities).
July 3, 2020
At this time, the Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE) plans to reopen schools for 2020–2021. The detailed operating procedures are still under development, in discussion with the Department of Health and the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association (HSTA). The COE plans to resume classes and field experiences in the Fall 2020 semester, adhering to UHM guidelines for providing a safe, high-quality education.
UHM Campus Status: The University of Hawai‘i will deploy a COVID-19-aware approach to providing a safe, high-quality education for new and returning students, faculty, and support staff.
COE POLICY FOR FIELD EXPERIENCE/STUDENT TEACHING/INTERNSHIP
Candidates in Student Teaching/Internship Courses
For Fall 2020 semester, candidates in student teaching or internship will be assigned a mentor teacher with whom they will work, as is standard practice. The candidate will be required to demonstrate performance in teaching through a variety of means. Candidates may fulfill requirements by working virtually with their mentor teacher and PK–12 students. Virtual observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University supervisors. Candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their student teaching. Candidates may be offered the opportunity to physically attend their student teaching sites or to interact face-to-face with their mentor teachers (MT) in the schools, following HIDOE, charter school, or private school guidelines and UHM safety procedures.
These may include:
- Maintain six feet of social distancing from all students, staff, and faculty in the schools.
- Wear a face mask at all times when on school site and when interacting face-to-face.
- Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer.
- Sanitize your work space and materials frequently.
- Stay at home if you feel sick.
Student teachers will have the option of following the work expectations of their mentor teachers, which may include face to face instruction, a combination of face to face and online instruction, or all online instruction; or to follow a completely online student teaching experience. The decision for each candidate will be made collaboratively by the candidate, the field supervisor, the mentor teacher and approved by the Chair of the teacher preparation program. In no instance will a candidate be required to attend a school site face-to-face, if they express health and safety concerns to their field supervisor. When finalized, a syllabus reflecting their student teaching requirements will be provided to each candidate
For those in internship, emergency hire teaching positions (on-the-job, OJT), the university supervisor and/or coordinator will be communicating with each OJT candidate and with the school principals to discuss the options. OJT candidates will be performing the expectations for their hired position, which may include face-to-face instruction, a combination of face-to-face and online instruction, or all online instruction, as dictated by the school principal. However, OJT candidates will have the option of following the work expectations of their position to satisfy the COE internship requirements, or to follow an online internship experience. For the purposes of the COE internship experience, the decision for each candidate will be made collaboratively by the candidate, the field supervisor, and the Chair of the teacher preparation program. When finalized, the candidates will be provided with a syllabus to follow reflecting their internship requirements.
For all candidates who will continue to work with the MTs and schools, the supervisor will communicate with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the requirements of the syllabus and clarify expectations for each candidate. School personnel are encouraged to contact their COE liaisons with questions and concerns.
If for any reason a mentor teacher is not available, the COE field supervisor will work to provide alternate online experiences to meet modified course expectations for the student teaching or internship course.
Candidates in Field Courses (other than student teaching/internship courses)
1st Semester Field Experience: Candidates may or may not be assigned to work with a mentor teacher and PK–12 students. No candidates in field experience courses will be required to physically attend a field placement site or be assigned to work face-to-face with a mentor teacher as a condition for completing their field course. Program faculty, in collaboration with the candidates and schools and with the approval of the program Chair, will decide upon requirements for candidates in 1st semester field. Candidates may fulfill requirements by working virtually with their mentor teacher and PK–12 students. Virtual observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University supervisors. Candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching, or to engage in other educational activities as a requirement for 1st semester field. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their field experience. All field candidates will be given a syllabus reflecting the requirements for their 1st semester field course. (We recognize that candidates who are emergency hires are working in the schools; however, the requirements of that position may or may not fulfill the requirements of the field course.)
2nd & 3rd Semester Field Experience: Candidates in 2nd and 3rd semester field courses will be assigned to work with a mentor teacher and PK–12 students. However, no candidates will be required to physically attend their field placement sites or be assigned to work face-to-face with their mentor teachers as a condition for completing their field course. Candidates may fulfill requirements by working virtually with their mentor teacher and PK–12 students, attending the school site face-to-face, or a combination of an online and face-to-face experience. Program faculty, in collaboration with the candidate and school, will decide upon requirements for candidates in 2nd & 3rd semester field experiences. In no instances will a candidate be required to attend a school site face-to-face, if they express health and safety concerns to their field supervisor. Virtual observations of teaching performance will be conducted by University supervisors. Candidates may be required to provide videos of their teaching and/or participate in synchronous virtual demonstrations of their teaching, or to engage in other educational activities as a requirement for 2nd & 3rd semester field. Candidates may be assigned to engage with technologies such as Zoom, Teaching Channel, Atlas, and/or GoReact as a part of their field experience. All field candidates will be given a syllabus reflecting the requirements for their 2nd or 3rd semester field course. (We recognize that candidates who are emergency hires are working in the schools; however, the requirements of that position may or may not fulfill the requirements of the field course.)
If for any reason a mentor teacher is not available, the COE field supervisor will work to provide alternate online experiences to meet modified course expectations for the field course.
March 31, 2020
As a result of the closing of all Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE) schools through April 30th, we have changed the requirements for candidates completing field experiences this semester. These changes affect both candidates in their early field experience courses and those in their final semester of student teaching. The changes will be in effect March 31–May 14, 2020 and are detailed below.
Candidates in Student Teaching/Internship Courses
For the remainder of spring semester, no candidates in student teaching or internship will be assigned to physically attend their field placement sites or to interact face-to-face with their mentor teachers (MT) in the schools as a requirement for completing their student teaching. Student teachers/interns will have options available to them for completing their student teaching/internship course. Options are different for those with or without a mentor teacher in a school hosting the candidate and for those in emergency hire teaching positions. The university supervisors and coordinators will be communicating with each teacher candidate in student teaching/internship and with the HIDOE principals and mentor teachers to discuss the options. Candidates will be provided with a revised syllabus to follow for the remainder of the semester. Target date for revised syllabi to be in place is April 3rd. For those candidates who will continue to work with the MTs and schools, the supervisor will communicate with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the requirements of the revised syllabus for each candidate. School personnel are encouraged to contact their COE liaisons with questions and concerns.
Candidates in Field Courses (other than student teaching/internship courses)
For the remainder of spring semester, no candidates in field experience courses will attend their field placement sites or be assigned to work with their mentor teachers as a requirement for completing their field course. All field candidates will be given a revised syllabus. (We recognize that candidates who are emergency hires are working in the schools; however, the requirements of that position will not fulfill the requirements of the field course.) Candidates will be provided with a revised syllabus to follow for the remainder of the semester. Target date for revised syllabi to be in place is April 3rd.
The College of Education administration, faculty, and staff express our deepest appreciation for the principals and teachers who have hosted our teacher candidates. This service has greatly impacted our candidates and prepared them for the real world of teaching. We are hopeful that our changes are temporary and that we will be able to fully resume our partnerships with the schools.
Please stay safe and practice social distancing. Keep informed of the latest UH news and COE news.
March 19, 2020
The Hawai’i Department of Education has extended spring break for all PK–12 students until April 7. Therefore, teacher candidates will not report for field experiences until this date. Further, the Hawai’i Teacher Standards Board will meet on March 27 to make decisions about the impact of this emergency situation on requirements for student teachers. The College of Education department chairs and faculty in the teacher preparation programs will begin drafting alternative activities for teacher candidates to complete in the event field experiences will be further delayed this semester; this will allow candidates to complete their program and be eligible for teacher licensure as planned. Candidates are encouraged to keep in close communication with their program coordinators/advisors. Stay informed of the latest developments at UH.
March 15, 2020
This update is provided in response to the announcement that the HIDOE schools will be on extended spring break until March 30. As a result, COE teacher candidates will not be attending their field sites until March 30. If this date changes, candidates will be notified. Be assured that the Hawai’i Teacher Standards Board is considering all possibilities and making plans to ensure that candidates in student teaching this semester may complete their programs and be eligible for licensure as planned. The COE will continue to work with HTSB and communicate with candidates in a timely manner. Candidates are encouraged to remain in close contact with their program chairs and coordinators. We also encourage everyone to engage in social distancing, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
March 13, 2020
The College of Education Teacher Preparation Programs will continue to prepare teacher candidates, following their approved programs of study. As you are aware, President Lassner has announced that UH is temporarily transitioning to delivering classes online from March 23 through April 13 while keeping our campuses open. See the full UH News update and news conference held on March 12, 2020.
The following provides some direction to COE faculty and teacher candidates. Please keep in mind that, as the situation changes, these guidelines may change. If this occurs, you will be informed of any changes in current practice.
COE Classes
As this time, COE teacher preparation classes will continue to be held as scheduled, adhering to the directive for online instruction, March 23-April 13.
Field Experience/Student Teaching
Department chairs/program coordinators should continue to maintain close communication with the school sites to keep informed of any changes at the school level. At this time, the Hawai’i PK-12 schools are still open and, therefore, COE candidates are expected to attend their field/student teaching placements and complete all assigned activities. Teacher candidates should maintain close communication with their program coordinators and department chairs. If adjustments to field for candidates and/or supervisors are necessary, department chairs should contact the Associate Dean/Dean to discuss. In no instances should candidates discontinue attending field sites without permission from the chair of the department/program. It is especially important that candidates in student teaching meet the minimum number of hours required for eligibility for teacher licensure.
UHM Field Supervisors on O’ahu and on Neighbor Islands
Supervisors should continue to supervise candidates in the field placements as assigned. Supervisors may choose to conduct observations on site and/or remotely or by video; some programs are already using these alternatives. If remote/video observation is a change from current practice, program faculty should discuss and make decisions regarding these alternatives and clearly articulate these revised program plans to the teacher candidates.
UHM Field Supervisors who fly to Other Islands
Supervisors should continue to supervise candidates in the field placements as assigned. However, supervisors may choose to fly to another island or conduct observations remotely or by video. If an existing travel arrangement needs to be cancelled or changed, faculty should work with the department chair and administrative staff, and check with the COE fiscal office for details.
When Changes Occur
As we navigate through this difficult time, we will continue to be flexible and ready to make changes as needed. The Dean’s office is maintaining contact with the Hawai’i Department of Education and the Hawai’i Teacher Standards Board in order to make timely, informed decisions in the best interests of the COE faculty and teacher candidates.
