We are writing in reference to language found under 8VAC20-542-40 (specific language found on p. 15), 8VAC20-542-890 (specific language found on p. 32), and 8VAC20-542-1340 (specific language found on p. 61) regarding stipulation of 10 weeks of a summative clinical student teaching experience under the supervision of a cooperating teacher with demonstrated effectiveness in the classroom.

Our concerns are twofold:

1. We suggest that the language, “a minimum of 10 weeks of full-time student teaching” is unclear and potentially limiting to programs. Full-time implies eight hours per day in the school having taken over for a teacher for 10-weeks; however, the regulations stipulate “The supervised student teaching experience shall include with at least 150 clock hours spent supervised in direct teaching,” which does not equate to 8 hours per day of full time teaching.
2. Furthermore, “10 weeks of full-time” suggests programs that currently provide 14 weeks of a part time (20-30 hours per week), or two seven week full time placements requiring a minimum of 150 clock hours spent in direct teaching would no longer suffice. Differences in placement structures allows for multiple field experiences in elementary and middle or secondary schools for preK-12 licensures.

We do not believe this was the intent of the authors, but confusion could be generated by this language. We believe the previous wording requiring “at least 300 hours…to include a minimum of 150 clock hours of…teaching…” provides a clearer understanding of the time desired for field experiences and allows for some flexibility in programs that would nonetheless be rigorous.