STUDENT TEACHING APPLICATION

SPRING 2017

Nicholas Wallen
LICENSE SOUGHT: Elementary Education
FLC ID: 900366031
EMAIL: ndwallen@fortlewis.edu
PHONE NUMBER: 719.685.6312
CURRENT ADDRESS: 731 Eth 8 Ave, Durango, CO

STUDENT BIOGRAPHY:
Over the last four years I have had the amazing opportunity to experience different elementary classrooms through
practicum hours. I have learned how important it is to build strong, lasting relationships with students and how the
relationships affect their lives. I have also learned how to advocate for students and meet their individual and unique
needs. With so many diverse students, I have learned to hold them all to the same high expectations and that everyone
deserves an equitable and equal opportunity to education. I have learned how to engage students so they reach their full
potential and use inquiry thinking. I believe it is crucial to make sure students have a growth mindset and the importance
of asking open ended and guiding questions. It has become apparent to me how crucial it is to build a sense of
community and how this will positively affect students identities. All of my experiences working in schools and with
children has prepared me for the rigors of student teaching. My college courses have taught me how to handle a heavy
workload, regulate stress levels, and successfully manage my time and resources. I feel prepared and confident to stand
in front of my own class and inspire children to learn. I will always remember those special teachers that left a lasting
impact on me. I hope one day I can leave a lasting impact on these children.

PLEASE LIST EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN STUDENT TEACHING:
I am a youth lacrosse coach for Parks and Recreation. I also coach youth biking through dirt lovers which is associated
through Parks and Recreation.

BREIEFLY DESCRIBE OUTSIDE INTERESTS THAT MIGHT ENRICH YOUR STUDENTS TEACHING/PARTNERSHIP:
I have a great passion for the outdoors and I would love to implement this passion into my future classroom. Another
interest of mine that would enrich my student teaching, is how important exercise and movement is.

Wallen, Nicholas

TEACHING
STRENGTHS

TEACHING
GROWTH

900366031

SPRING 2017 STUDENT TEACHing

One of my strongest teaching characteristics is building lasting relationships

with the students and helping them build their personal and academic
identities. In one of the classrooms I worked in, I was asked to be a male role
model to a student who was struggling. I took on this role and the student
started to show signs of improvement throughout the semester. Another strong
teaching characteristic is I am able to engage my students with the lesson and
topic at hand. I am able to present the information in a fun and creative way
that connects with the students. One of my other strong characteristics is
asking the students open ended and guiding questions. This lets their thoughts
flow and encourages inquiry. During some of my field practicums, I was able
to lead engaging and thoughtful discussions. One way I engage students is I
make the material have connections to their own home life. When doing this,
it leads to great discussions where all the students participate.

When I first started my educational journey, I struggled very much with

differentiating lessons and catering to students individual needs. I have grown a
great amount in my ability to differentiate. From the first lesson I taught, to my
recent lessons, I have improved immensely. Even though I have improved,
there is a lot of room for me to grow. I am very excited to watch myself
continue to grow and I look forward to the opportunity for growth.
Another area I have professionally grown is my overall comfort levels while
managing the classroom. Over time, through my various experiences, I have
become more comfortable and confident while managing the classroom. At
times I still feel flustered and I know I still have lots of room to grow.
An area I need more growth is recognizing when a student needs more help or
when a student is not understanding the material during the lesson. Sometimes
I have trouble seeing this while I teach, and then the child might get left behind.
I look forward to learning more about this and growing my teaching ability.

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.
I will complete ALL requisite KATS assignments with an evaluation of PROFICIENT or better before my student
teaching application is sent to schools.
I will have completed all required supervised field study hours in 300-400 level courses by the time I begin student
teaching.
I have successfully met the math and written proficiency requirements.
I have senior or post- baccalaureate standing. I will have completed 100% of the required education and auxiliary
courses, 100% of my major and I 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 have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and no grade lower than a C/C- in the licensing
program 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)
exam or PRAXIS exam prior to being placed.
I understand that I will student teach in my assigned position and complete 75 contact days for credit 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 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.

Wallen, Nicholas

SPRING 2017 STUDENT Teaching

900366031

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

1. School
Park Elementary School

Grade
1st 3rd

School Phone
970.247.3718

2. School
Riverview Elementary

Grade
1st 3rd

School Phone
970.247.3862

3. School
Needham Elementary

Grade
1st 3rd

School Phone
970.247.4791

4. School
Animas Valley Elementary

Grade
1st 3rd

School Phone
970.247.0124

5. School
Grade
PROFESSIONAL
eDUCATION 1st
rEVIEW
Florida
Mesa Elementary
3rd COMMITTEE

School Phone
970.247.4250

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

I have not yet passed my Praxis/PLACE exam

I have a grade below a C in an ED course
I have a B- or lower grade in ED 322
My GPA is below 2.75

If you have checked any of these,

obtain more information at:
https://www.fortlewis.edu/ted/
CurrentFLCStudents/Petitioningto
PERC.aspx

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

IF HAVE YOU PASSED YOUR APPLICABLE Praxis/PLACE examination?

Score: ___184____
(Attach copy of official score report)
3.77
G.P.A.: ___________
(Submit this last page to WAC at application conference: one copy.)