Instructional Practices/Practicum in Education & Training

Instructional Practices (Intro to Teaching) is a two-hour, full-year intern course offered to 11th and 12th graders. It is designed to give students the opportunity to explore careers in teaching and working with children. Students experience the guidance of children physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually, 6 hours per week in the classroom and 4 hours per week at field sites, including the preschools for community children located on each senior high campus. Field site experience requires students to travel independently to Plano ISD elementary schools and private schools. The field site provides an opportunity to mentor with teachers, work one-on-one with students, and conduct group lessons and class presentations.

The course offers training to students interested in professions related to human development, psychology, medicine, education, and childcare. Students rotate to different intern sites each nine weeks, thus maximizing their child development experience.

After completing Instructional Practices, 12th grade students may take Practicum in Education & Training, which provides a second year of this two-hour, full-year course and allows more in-depth study in the teaching and development of young children. Students spend 4 hours per week in the classroom and 6 hours per week (2 hours more than Instructional Practices) at area field sites, including the preschools located at each senior high school.