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Observation Hours
Observations are a part of life for teachers. We consistently are observed by administrators and other staff members, and we consistently observe our peers to learn from what they are doing. As a future teacher, you will be conducting 60 hours of observations in two, 30-hour sets.
Observation hours are required for all pre-education students. Upon completing each set of observation hours, you should obtain a confidential letter of documentation from your supervisor for your application to the licensure program.
| First 30 Hours* | Second 30 Hours |
|---|---|
| Meant to be an exploration of your interests. | Meant to be a preparation for your student teaching. |
| Preferably completed in a classroom but can be completed in other settings working with Pre-K through12th grade students. | Observe in one classroom to see what it’s like to be a public school teacher in your desired subject and grade level. |
| Examples include: summer school, after-school programs, coaching, substitute teaching, working as an Instructional Assistant, see more below. | Must be completed in a public K-12 classroom, during the regular school day, and in the subject area and grade level you would like to teach. |
| Preferably completed within your first two years of college. | Must be completed within 18 months of applying to the licensure program. |
* Your first set of 30-hour observations can be waived via an approved practicum based course. Contact your advisor to determine if your course meets the application requirements.
FAQs About Observation Hours
Can I be paid for my observation hours?
Yes, as long as you are meeting the rest of the requirements.
How do I set up my classroom observation hours?
Contact the principal’s office the term before you want to start; get your paperwork/background check completed; identify which teacher you will observe; set your schedule and start/end date.
What if I don’t know where to get my first 30 observation hours?
Your first 30 hours are very flexible, and can be done with kids of any age in any setting. Some examples in your local community include: summer camps, community sports programs, library children’s programs, church child/youth programs, Boys and Girls Club, Kroc Center, and childcare centers. Some examples at WOU include: Child Development Center (gardnert@wou.edu) and Campus Recreation summer camp or swim instructor (horseyh@wou.edu).
Can I observe in my parent/family member’s classroom?
No, but they probably have teacher friends that you can observe.
How do I submit my letters of documentation for my observation hours?
Have the teacher you observed write a letter (use the Request for Letter of Documentation template) and email it directly to: licensure@mail.wou.edu The licensure office will then upload those letters to your application in TK20. You cannot do it yourself.
