Foundations of Teaching Methods Course Description and Syllabus

Foundations of Teaching Methods

GRADE: 11 - 12      

Prerequisite: None

First year Foundations of Teaching students will receive an introduction to educational theories, developmentally appropriate practices, classroom health concerns, nutritional standards, safety guidelines, as well as career opportunities in the educational field.  During the first year of Foundations, the students learn the different components of curriculum planning, special education and start to create their own lesson plans.  Following the first 7 weeks, the students will be assigned an off-campus location in their home community to complete an observational and practical hands-on experience by assisting in local schools from preschool up to high school level classroom depending on their interest level.  At the completion of the school year, the students will have gain at least 2 different clinical experiences which will lead to a Level 1 Certification through Gateways to Opportunity.  In addition to the Level 1 Certification, the students will have training with SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and State Mandated Reporting.

*Students must have a current physical, a two-step TB skin test, and reliable transportation to get to and from their clinical locations

Advanced Teaching Methods 

Grade 12

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Foundations of Teaching, with a C grade or better.

The Advanced Teaching Methods program is available to those returning seniors who wish to continue exploding the components of the educational field.  Topics discussed throughout the second year will include the history and philosophy of education, child guidance and observation, diversity in the classroom, as well educational theories dealing with older students.  Also, the students are given insight into the field of special education.  Topics covered:  IEPs, 504, BIP, childhood disabilities, and the legal aspect to special education. The students will continue writing lesson plans that are more in-depth and with more details in order to bring those plans to their clinical locations. Following the first 4-5 weeks, the students will be assigned an off-campus location in their home community to complete an observational and practical hands-on experience.  The clinical component of the Advanced class is tailored to fit the students’ interest according to grade level, special education, speech pathology, etc.  The students will be given the option of continuing in the same observational class for entire year to gain insight into the development of a class for an entire school year. 

*Students must have a current physical and reliable transportation to get to and from their clinical locations