If you are interested, please complete the Recruitment Google Survey.
*For the 2020-2021 school year, all students will be observing/participating via Zoom.
First, some quick background information: The Teacher Academy is one of our many degree programs at William Penn High School. Among their general program of studies, these students take the following yearlong courses:
| Level 1 | Human Development |
| Level 2 | Teaching as a Profession |
| Level 3 | Curriculum & Instruction |
| Level 4 | Teacher Academy Practicum |
The Teacher Academy’s main goal is to attract and develop future teachers…and we would love for our Teacher Academy teachers to come back and work in Colonial! Through their four years at WP and within the academy, students examine & experience the teaching profession. In addition to mentioned coursework, we ensure that our students have an immersion experience – that’s where you come in! We want our students to get the opportunity to observe professionals, work in classrooms, and get hands-on experience to help them prepare for a future career in education. Level III students complete observations, and our Level IV students engage in instructional activities with Colonial students.
Two opportunities for Colonial Teachers
Depending on your availability, there are two options for you to work with William Penn students:
1. Cooperating Teacher with Level III students
2. Supervisor Teacher with Level IV students
Our Teacher Academy instructor and Work-Based Learning Coordinator would work with you throughout the process to develop a schedule and offer continued support & guidance. They would also continue to work with the WP student on their needs.
WPENN Teacher Academy Instructor K-12: Sasha Huber sasha.huber@colonial.k12.de.us WPENN Work Based Learning Coordinator: Anna Morgan anna.morgan@colonial.k12.de.us
Level III Students
These are WP Teacher Academy juniors and seniors who are completing the Curriculum and Instruction course. At minimum, these students will complete two sets of 4 observation hours in two different classroom settings. While observing, students will be taking active notes and reflecting on the experiences. They will also take notes while meeting with your outside of the classroom time. To best serve our WP students, we want them to observe a wide range of instructional and teacher activities, for example:
● Classroom setting in two different grade bands: K – 2; 3 – 5; 6 – 8; 9 – 12;
● Math Lesson
● English/Reading Lesson
● Writing activity
● Specials, Elective, Enrichment class
● Student(s) with accommodations and how accommodations are being met
● Classroom Environment (routine, manage behavior, student expectations, professionalism)
● Time to meet with the teacher for reflective, conversation, and feedback
What would you do?
As a Level III Cooperating Teacher, you would host a WP level III Teacher Academy student and allow for four observations in your (virtual) classroom. We would also work with you to develop additional experiences outside of your classroom within your school. We would also ask that you allow time, on a weekly basis, for a conversation with the WP student, sharing your experiences as a teacher and sharing the benefits of working in the Colonial School District. At the end of the experience, we would ask that you complete a short survey – rating the student’s attendance, participation, and professionalism. Finally, we would ask that you communicate with the WP Teacher Academy staff throughout the process to discuss concerns, adjustments, needs, etc.
Level IV Students
These are WP students in their fourth year of the Teacher Academy. The intent is to allow these students to practice classroom management and instructional strategies in an authentic setting – your classroom working with your students! Starting in March 2021, the WP student would both observe and participate in instruction on a routine basis in a 8-week window. We would work with you to establish a schedule that works for both you and the WP student. As with our level III students, we want our level IV student to experience a wide range of activities such as:
● Lead an activity to help introduce self and get to know the students
● Work with you to develop and deliver a full lesson (approved by you and the Teacher Academy staff – rubric on Planning/Preparation, Instructional Delivery, Assessment & Supporting All Learners)
● Participate in a PLC and/or collaborate with staff
● Work with a small group to help reteach a concept
● Help scaffold an assignment/activity for accommodations, ELL, or lower-level learners
● Read student writing samples and help assess
What would you do?
As a Level IV Supervising Teacher, you would host a WP level IV Teacher Academy student and allow for their participation within your classes on a routine basis within an 8-week window. You will also commit to meeting with them 1x per week (either during your planning time, after school, or whatever works for you) in order to collaborate on lesson planning, data discussion, and assessment. During this time, we would want you to share your experiences as a teacher and the benefits of working in the Colonial School District. At the end of the experience, we would ask that you complete a survey – rating the student’s attendance, participation, teaching strengths & weaknesses, and their professionalism. Finally, we would ask that you communicate with the WP Teacher Academy staff throughout the process to discuss concerns, adjustments, needs, etc.
William Penn Teacher Academy Student Expectations (Levels III & IV)
We want all of our students to represent WP proudly. When they are in your building and working with students, we expect the following from our Teacher Academy students:
● Respect and encourage all learners
● Respect you and your classroom
● Exhibit a positive attitude
● Takes responsibility and initiative of their own learning
● Engage and reflect on their own practice
● Demonstrate professionalism: on time, appropriate attire, appropriate language, meets deadlines, and no cell phone/electronic issues
End Goal of the Teacher Academy Program
We want our “young teachers” to understand the challenges and rewards of this profession and hopefully convince them to come back after graduation and join us in the ranks as Colonial teachers. We want our Teacher Academy students to move beyond observation and get involved in your classroom. With your enthusiasm and professionalism, you can help train the future of the Colonial School District; and with your help, demonstrate the Power of We!
Qualifications & Stipends
We appreciate your flexibility and willingness to open up your classroom and offer your time and expertise to our William Penn Teacher Academy students. There is nothing more valuable than allowing students to engage in productive learning creating the “want” to pursue a career in Education. In order to participate, you must have 3+ years of experience within the Colonial School District and approval from your building principal. If you participate, only one WP student will be assigned to you. Finally, we understand that this is additional work and time. We want to compensate you for your professional time and investment. Below are our stipend rates (to be paid via timesheets in DSC):
| Level | Total Stipend Hours | Notes |
| III Cooperating Teacher | 8 | 4-week window (8 hours) to include classroom observations and conversations with WP students. You can select either the first four weeks, the second four weeks, or both sets. |
| IV Supervising Teacher | 32 | 8 week window, four hours per week, to allow for classroom observations, instruction, feedback and follow up conversation. |