Fort Bend ISD

Fort Bend ISD offers a robust teacher training program for future teachers who are seeking observation hours or field-based experiences as part of their educator preparation program.

As part of our commitment to supporting future teachers, FBISD works closely with colleges, universities and alternative certification programs to ensure that we provide learning experiences that enrich your journey toward certification and meet the requirements of your program.

We invite you to learn more about our Student Observation program, which includes field-based experiences and guided observations.  Additional information about each program is below, as well as instructions on how to apply. Thank you for considering FBISD as a partner in your teacher training!

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Instructors

Guided Observations

This option is ideal for you if you need observation only hours and are not required to complete field-based experiences with students. Submit your field experience request and course roster to CPDT@uhcl.edu.  

Field-Based Experience

One Student, One Host Teacher 

This option is ideal for you if you need observation and field-based experience hours, and you would like a partnership with one teacher for the duration of your hours. 

Description: 

• Observation of routines, structures, and instructional delivery for first 6 hours  
• Active engagement in the classroom in one or more of the following: small group instruction, tutoring, one-on-one student support, practicing classroom management skills, supporting lead teacher instruction  
• Reflection time with the teacher after every 6 hours of either observation or field-based experience 

One Student, Multiple Host Teachers

This option is ideal for you if your program requires you to work with multiple teachers and/or grade levels to complete your hours.

Description: 

• Observation of routines, structures, and instructional delivery for first 3 hours with each teacher.  
• Active engagement in the classroom in one or more of the following: small group instruction, tutoring, one-on-one student support, practicing classroom management skills, supporting lead teacher instruction.  
• Reflection time with the teacher after every 6 hours of either observation or field-based experience.
  • Fall observation applications/requests start in September and end around the end of November to provide students and teachers the opportunity to prepare for finals and the end of the semester.
  • Spring observations applications/requests start in January and end in April.
  • Summer observations applications/requests will open in May.  

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Students

Application Process for Student Observer and Field-Based Experience Program

• All pre-service teachers must apply to the FBISD Student Observer program.
• To access the application, please click on the following link:
  • FBISD Student Observers Application
  • Scroll down on the webpage to the section that says "Join Our Team" and click on "Student Observer". This will direct you to the application in Taleo. Please create an account and complete the application. Once you have done so, a background check will be conducted. After the background check has been completed, you will receive a welcome email with more information.
• If the application specifies "observation only", the pre-service teacher will be sent information to request participation in our guided observation experience. They are then able to specify which of the pre-selected dates they would like to attend and whether they want to attend the morning session (3 hours), afternoon session (3 hours), or full day (6 hours).
• If the application specifies "field-based experience", the pre-service teacher will be matched by a member of our Student Observers team with a trained FBISD field-based experience teacher for their hands-on experience hours. 

Fort Bend ISD Fall 2024 Guided Observation Dates

Program Reminders and Contact Information

• Pre-service teachers should not contact campuses, principals, or teachers directly to arrange for any observations or field-based experience. 
• Pre-service teachers are not allowed to observe the classroom of their child, neighbor, friend, or family member.  
• All questions and communication about our Student Observers program should be directed to either Petra Claflin at Petra.Claflin@fortbendisd.gov or the Student Observer program email at fbisdstudentobservers@fortbendisd.gov