Classroom observation for credential program application

[u/No_Spirit5582]

I am planning to apply for credentialing programs for next fall. I live in California.

One of the application requirements is hours logged doing classroom observations for the grade level and subject I’m interested in teaching (middle school science).

Please share some advice on how to log these hours. Do I just email the schools near me? Thank you!

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[u/exotic_drank]

reach out to the district office first not individual schools, they usually have a process for this. i did mine last year and had to fill out some paperwork and do a background check before any school would let me in

middle school science teachers are often desperate for help so you might get lucky with someone willing to let you observe more than the minimum hours

[u/fairybb311 → u/exotic_drank]

for observations there usually isn't a district process other than getting volunteer clearance sometimes. i'd honestly reach out directly to schools and/or teachers of the grade/subject you're interested in.

[u/fairybb311]

observations and students teaching are very different. an observation is a prerequisite and you often have to do this on your own. i'm in san diego and luckily had friends who were already in the classroom and they helped me find teachers to observe.

good luck on your journey!

[u/CheeseOfAmerica]

My credential program had a dedicated office for placing observers/student teachers who handled all this. Your local Cal State should be equipped to handle it, in fact I'd even recommend digging through their website they should have dedicated admissions advisors

[u/Vivid_Experience_609]

The college you’re going to do your credential that should be arranging this for you
If you have a high high school school that you attended, you can always observe some of the teachers that you’ve had before

[u/SubBass49Tees]

When I did my observation hours, I just emailed my old teacher from high school and asked. He was like, "Sure. Come on in."

[u/Maestradelmundo1964]

If they don’t answer your email, go in the morning, to a district office. If that doesn’t work, go to schools. They may require oroof that you’re studying to get your credential.

When you get into a classroom, if students are supposed to raise their hand to speak, and a student speaks to you, say: “I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

Some students may think that you’re there to observe their behavior. I once got observed by a teacher who was there to make sure that I was prepared. I told the class this (8th graders.) They didn’t believe me. They acted like little angels that day, which wasn’t the norm.

[u/Br81n_D8mm8ge]

Do I just email the schools near me?

Yep. It's around 30-45 hours -ish, right?

Volunteer in a nearby classroom in your proposed grade level and verify that this really is for you.

[u/the_dinks]

I'm in California and I went through the same process. DM me and if you're close, I'll let you observe :)