Two Student Teaching Models: The Traditional Model and the Urban Teacher Training Collaborative Model

Some M.A.T. candidates choose the Traditional Model, working one day a week in a school site in the fall semester and become full-time pre-service teachers in the spring semester. Placements are currently available at more than a dozen locations, including Malden High School, Somerville High School, Boston Latin Academy, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School and Waltham High School.

Other candidates opt for the Urban Teacher Training Collaborative, working as full-time interns in urban school sites from late August through May. These internships are currently available at a number of locations, including Fenway High School, Boston Arts Academy, Codman Academy Charter Public School, Mission Hill School, Somerville High School and Malden High School.

Both types of field experience provide pre-service teachers with opportunities to try a variety of teaching techniques, to develop relationships with students and faculty and to reflect critically on the teaching experience. The student teaching practicum is the capstone experience of the Tufts teacher preparation programs. The practicum includes at least 300 hours in a school setting working with a teacher licensed in the appropriate subject area and grade level. Pre-service teachers become important members of the school community. They teach courses, develop innovative curriculum, work as tutors, assist as club advisors and coaches, attend parent conferences, and chaperone social events.

The Placement Process

We are able to solidify many placements by the end of June. Other placements are set in early fall. As a department, we do our best to help you find a school site placement that meets your pre-professional preparation needs. Prompt, early and regular communication with Ryan Redmond, Supervisor of Placements, is essential in making the placement process as clear as possible.

Step 1. Think about what grade level you hope to teach and what type of school district interests you.

Step 2. As soon as you are admitted and enroll in the program, contact Ryan at ryan.redmond@tufts.edu or 617-627-2391, in order to discuss with him your thoughts about the field placement and to receive contact information for potential cooperating teachers and school sites.

Step 3. Schedule a visit with the recommended cooperating teachers. Try to see a class, meet some students and get a sense of the school culture. If you are not going to be in the Boston area until after the end of the school year, contact potential cooperating teachers by phone or email to introduce yourself. Ask them about their school, classes, teaching philosophy, etc. Keep Ryan up-to-date on your progress.