Student Teaching

MISD believes the professional growth and development afforded the student teacher during their internship is critical to the successful transition from student to teacher. We will work with you to see that quality placements are made to enhance the student learning process.

Student Placement Steps

1. A written placement request must be sent from the college, university or teacher preparation program to Dr. Tracey Patton at TraceyPatton@misdmail.org.
    
2. Student Teachers must pass a criminal background check.
   • MISD uses a reputable third-party company to obtain criminal background checks.
   • Your social security number (SSN) is used to conduct the background check. However, MISD cannot require parties who are not employees of the district to provide social security information. If an applicant opts out of providing their SSN, the applicant may not be allowed to student teach.
   • The information given will only be used to determine criminal history. Credit scores and credit reports are not obtained during the background check process.
      
3. Approved placements will be sent to the college, university or teacher preparation program office for student notification.
    
4. Approved student teachers must report to the MISD Human Resources Department (605 E. Broad Street, Mansfield, TX 76063) to complete an emergency contact form and sign/notarize a Pre-Employment Affidavit with Kia Crosby.
   • No appointment is necessary, but forms are ONLY accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - noon.
      
5. Student teachers will be sent to the MISD Police Department (1522 N. Walnut Creek, Mansfield, TX 76063) to have a district identification badge made. Student teachers will not be able to report to a campus without this badge.
    
6. Begin the application process here by selecting Human Resources.

Individuals are eligible to complete classroom observations in Mansfield ISD if they are:

• Currently enrolled in a teacher degree program at a four-year college or university
• Currently enrolled in a Junior College education course
• Currently seeking certification through an Alternative Certification Program

Observation Request Guidelines

• Classroom observations may be scheduled from September to April.
• Observation requests will not be processed after April 1.
• All requests for classroom observations are subject to space and availability.
• At any point during the school year, we reserve the right to deny classroom observers. based on the number of requests received and District calendar of events.
• Mansfield ISD does not offer summer classroom observations.

Observer Clearance Guidelines

• Human Resources will notify the applicant when the request is approved via email of the Observation Clearance form.
• Observation hours must be completed during the approved time frame.
• Observation hours are limited to 32 hours within thirty (30) calendar days per school year.
• Do not request hours in advance of your availability to complete the hours within the approved thirty (30) day period.
• Extensions for observation hours will not be granted and duplicate observation request forms will not be processed.

Observer Responsibilities

• Observers are responsible for contacting the campus of choice and scheduling observation hours within the approved timeframe. 
• Observers are required to bring the Observation Clearance form and valid identification to the campus assignment. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from observation opportunities.
• Mansfield ISD teachers do not verify observation hours. It is the responsibility of the Observer to obtain and maintain verification signatures for documentation purposes.