STUDENT TEACHING APPLICATION SPRING 2020

Benjamin Smith
LICENSE SOUGHT: K-12 Music Education

FLC ID: 900384996

EMAIL: bvsmith@forlewis.edu

PHONE NUMBER: (720) 624-9356

CURRENT ADDRESS: 1204 Avenida Del Sol, Apt 224,

Durango, Colorado 81301

STUDENT BIOGRAPHY:
My passion towards music began as a child when I would listen to my mother and brother sing and play guitar in church.
As I grew up, I was always in some sort of ensemble, but it wasn’t until my late teenage years when I realized my
potential and how much music had and continued to shape my life. Entering college, I realized the opportunity I had to
share my experiences with others through teaching. The Education courses at Fort Lewis introduced me to a whole
different side of teaching and all the complexities and behind the scenes processes that come with being a teacher.
My philosophy of teaching remains quite simple – I aim to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment where
students continue to progress while navigating life. Students should learn how modern technology can both aid and
inhibit their chances towards success. Throughout my fieldwork at Fort Lewis, I have learned the importance of
identifying each student’s individual needs and their least restrictive environment. Our most important responsibility as
teachers is to learn how to best communicate with our students. This requires personal attention, respect, attention to
detail, and role modeling. Learning about, observing, and working directly with students of varying abilities and
interests has changed the way I conduct myself as a teacher and as a human being. I know that no single experience can
prepare me for every challenge that I may encounter as a teacher, but I am confident that I have assembled the tools and
skills necessary to navigate these challenges and the rigors of student teaching.

PLEASE LIST EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN STUDENT TEACHING:
Additional ensembles/ outside of class meeting time
Private Lessons (Percussion)
Outdoor Recreation

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE OUTSIDE INTERESTS THAT MIGHT ENRICH YOUR STUDENT TEACHING/PARTNERSHIP:
I enjoy being active outdoors and believe it is quality meditative time that enhances the skills necessary to teach and perform. I also enjoy
travelling, especially to field related events and contests, or to culturally rich and diverse areas.
Smith, Benjamin 900 384 996 SPRING 2020 STUDENT TEACHing

Organization – I enjoy being over-prepared – often planning for

lessons with great attention to detail.
TEACHING
Rapport with students – I am always aware of my students and how
STRENGTHS they are responding to my teaching. This allows me to make changes
on the go and fix mistakes and misunderstandings quickly.

Calm energy – Even in high pressure situations, I tend to remain and

appear calm. This energy transcends my teaching style and aids in
classroom management.

I would like to work on my reinforcement skills better when it comes to

classroom management. When students get off track, misbehave, or ask
TEACHING a question, it is important to acknowledge the situation, bring
awareness, and regather focus. While easy to identify, I simply wish to
gain more experience to improve on these skills.
GROWTH
Differentiating Language – I have caught myself (and other teachers)
thinking that there is a single great way of explaining something, only
for a student to still be completely confused. As I gain more experience
with student teaching, I believe I will build a more diverse vocabulary
and arsenal of analogies to help me communicate clearly with students.
Student Teaching Contract
Check off each item before signing

I understand that this application must be approved by the faculty in the Teacher Education Department.
If undergrad/post-bac: I will have completed all required supervised field study hours in 300-400 level courses by the
time I begin student teaching.
If undergrad/post-bac: I have successfully met the math and written proficiency requirements.
If undergrad/post-bac: I have senior or post- baccalaureate standing. I will have completed 100% of the required
education and auxiliary courses (with no extant incomplete grades), 100% of my major, and I will have completed 100%
of the required courses for the endorsement area (K-12 and secondary). I have attached the completed endorsement
sheet signed by the appropriate department (if applicable).
I am currently enrolled in the MAE program. I will have completed 100% of the required courses for the SPRING 2020
semester with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better before the FALL 2019 placement term begins. I will not
have any Incompletes extant before beginning the ST semester/placement.
If undergrad/post-bac: I have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and no grade lower than a C in
the licensing program (TED) courses.
I will have submitted a completed student teaching application form by the deadline. (PERC approval required for late
submission.)
I understand that I must pass the appropriate Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators (PLACE) or
PRAXIS exam prior to being placed, unless given an exemption by the PERC committee.
I understand that I will student teach in my assigned position and complete a minimum of 75 contact days and 600/620
hours applicable to my license.
I understand that twenty-five additional days for 5 credit hours or 50 days for 10 credit hours may be required for
students seeking to add an additional endorsement.
I will not interfere in or arrange my own placement unless otherwise instructed by the Field
Experiences Coordinator.
I will attend the orientation/placement seminar scheduled prior to student teaching. If I am placed in the area, I will
attend all seminars scheduled during the experience.
I agree to abide by all of the codes, policies, and school calendar of the school and district in which I will student teach.
I agree to meet all of the rules, requirements, and assignments as stated in the Student Teaching Handbook and to make
my cooperating teacher aware of them.
I understand that before I will receive credit for student teaching, I must successfully complete a Professional Exhibition.
I understand that teacher licensing in Colorado will be based on successful completion of student teaching, all degree
requirements of Fort Lewis College (or the holding of post-baccalaureate standing) and the passage of the appropriate
PLACE or PRAXIS exam. I may then apply for licensing through the Colorado Department of Education on my own and
at my own expense.
I understand that failure on my part to fulfill any part of this contract can be sufficient reason for my extension in,
deferment from, or removal from student teaching.
I understand that I must maintain positive and professional dispositions at the site of my placement. I will retain the
respect and professional accreditation of my host school. Should I be asked to discontinue my placement by my
principal, Cooperating Teacher, College Supervisor and/or the Field Experience Coordinator, I will not pass this student
teaching block of courses, with all attendant consequences: forfeiture of credit, delay in graduation (if applicable) and non-graduation,
etc.
I understand that if I do not complete student teaching for any reason, I will notify the Teacher Licensure Office and my
supervising teacher in writing regarding the circumstances. Failure to do so will result in removal from the Teacher
Education program with no option for future student teaching placement.
I understand that if I withdraw from student teaching or do not show up for my student teaching placement, Fort Lewis
College has no further obligation regarding future student teaching placement.
I understand that should I reapply to student teach, I must follow the procedure set forth in the Student Teaching
Handbook, “Re-enrollment in Student Teaching.”

Applicant signature: __________________________________ Date: _________________

THIS PAGE FOR FIELD EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR FILES: SUPPLY ONLY ONE WITH YOUR MULTIPLE FINAL DRAFTS….

Smith, Benjamin 900 384 996 Spring 2019 STUDENT TEACHing

PLACEMENT REQUEST: (All requests will be considered, but cannot be guaranteed)

1. Thunder Valley K-8 (303) 833-2456

2. Grand View Elementary K-5 (303) 702-8000

3. Silver Creek High School 9-12 (720) 494-3721

4. Fort Lupton High School 9-12 (303) 857-7179

5. Legacy Elementary K-5 (720) 652-8160

PROFESSIONAL eDUCATION rEVIEW COMMITTEE

DO you need to appeal to the PERC Committee for any of the following reasons?

_____ I have not yet passed my Praxis/PLACE exam If you have checked any of these, obtain more
_____ I have a grade below a C in an ED course information at:
_____ I have a B- or lower grade in ED 322 https://www.fortlewis.edu/teacher-
education/ProgramRequirements/StudentTea
_____ My GPA is below 2.75 ching.aspx

HAVE YOU SUBMITTED A PERC PREVIOUSLY TO BE ADMITTED TO TED? Y N

IF HAVE YOU PASSED YOUR APPLICABLE Praxis/PLACE examination?

Score: 164
(Attach copy of official score report)

G.P.A.: 3.51