Definitions

Q: What are Early Field Based Experiences?
A: Collin County Community College District (Collin) requires 20 hours of logged observations for Early Field Based Experiences (EFE). EFE will take place in an area independent school district (ISD) during school hours in the appropriate grade level and content area. Placement for Field Based Experiences will be made on an individual basis with the TCP Early Field Based Experience coordinator and scheduling arrangements will be made with the ISD. Please be aware many area districts require a criminal history background check and a TB test prior to Field Based Experience or any interaction with students in their schools.

Collin believes it is important for pre-service teachers to visit numerous classrooms to observe learning environments, varying teaching and learning styles and integration of technology. EFE also allows individuals the assurance that education is the appropriate path for them.

Online discussions about the field-based experience and the creation of an EFE portfolio will be required for this component of the training. The portfolio will include: journal entries, artifacts (school handbooks, sample lessons, discipline plans, etc.) from observations and interviews, and a final summary.

Q: What is a Pre-service teacher?
A: An individual currently enrolled in Collin’s TCP training program.

Q: What is an intern?
A: An individual with a teaching contract from a school district who is in the first-year of Collin-supervised classroom teaching.

Q: What is a student teacher?
A: An individual who has completed all classroom training requirements and has been placed with a supervising teacher in a classroom for 12 weeks of student teaching experience.