PBA and Fieldwork Guidelines – ESOL - FAST TRAIN Program

Site Selection GuidelinesInternational Field Experience Selection of Site/TeacherHow can I choose an appropriate international field experience site?While not all schools/teachers meet all criteria below for site selection, the more criteria met,the more likely your field experience will be worthwhile:The School• Must be accredited by an U.S. or international accrediting agencyThe Cooperating Teacher or Supervisor• Must hold the credential you seek, either a Master’s in ESOL Education or a U.S. teaching licensein English as a Second Language Education• Must allow you to work, under supervision, with small groups or individuals• Should be an experienced teacher with at least 3-5 years of classroom experience and/or schoolleadership• Should demonstrate excellence in teaching as noted by director, colleague, and parents• Should have experience mentoring university students or other faculty• Should be willing to discuss teaching, learning, and excellence in educationPLEASE NOTE: These selection guidelines may not be appropriate for year-long internships requiredfor state licensure. Students should contact fastrain@gmu.edu for additional information.What are some strategies to secure a fieldwork placement site overseas?1) Identify the correct person to make the request to, usually the Principal, and write a brief coverletter explaining your graduate program and how many hours you would like to volunteer in theschool.2) Be sure to explain the value you can bring to the classroom. What specific methods or resourceshave you learned from your graduate classes? What additional experience do you have withchildren? Mention the dispositions!3) Identify how your class assignment can add value or help a current teacher. Would they like tochange an assessment system? Is there a particular student who could use individual attention?Would they like someone to revise and revamp a unit plan? Are they interested in bringing IBprinciples into the classroom? What can you provide?4) Be willing to work within the school environment and adapt to their needs. Can you shift thefocus of your unit planner to accommodate the current curriculum?5) Set up time to talk with your cooperating teaching individually prior to starting classroomobservations. One-on-one time with the teacher will help you refine your fieldwork plan.6) Remain committed to the school and classroom. Although your assignment may only take 20hours of classroom time, think about whether you can volunteer longer.7) Take your professional relationship very seriously, once the placement is made always be ontime, be prepared and be professional. The perception you create as a student of FAST TRAINoften makes the difference in whether or not the school will accept a FT candidate in the future!3