Good evening,

I want to continue to keep everyone in the loop - the following message was just sent to Spring student teachers.

Wishing everyone well!
Dara

Dara Hall, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Teacher Education and Student Success
Education Support Center, Memorial Hall 7230/40
JMU College of Education
540-568-2996

From: Hall, Dara - halldm
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 6:32 PM
To: Hall, Dara - halldm ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: RE: IMPORTANT Spring 2020 Student Teacher Announcement re: COVID-19 (3/19/20)
Importance: High

Dear Spring 2020 Student Teachers,

In light of the email from President Alger yesterday, I wanted to send you another update. I wish I had some more definitive answers to your many questions related to student teaching, licensure and graduation, but I have shared everything I know as of now below.  Please know that JMU is working closely with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the Virginia Board of Education, and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

As you know, successful student teaching is a requirement for program completion, graduation, and licensure eligibility.  Some student teaching requirements are mandated by Virginia Regulations 8VAC20-543 in terms of length, direct teaching hours, and meeting competencies; some are based on meeting our requirements for approved programs in Virginia; and some are degree and/or program requirements.

As explained in the initial email on March 11th (below), most students have met the requirement in terms of direct teaching hours; however, we were very hopeful that we would get some more face-to-face time...  The majority of candidates are short by one week (having met 9 out of a minimum 10 week state requirement) to date. The VDOE has indicated that if we make a request to allow candidates to be licensed without the full 10 weeks, as long as they have come close and have met all other criteria to be recommended for licensure according to JMU, the state superintendent is very likely to approve. We are not permitted to submit this request before mid-April, so while we can't say it is a definite, please try to feel at ease with this good news.

Each teacher education program is in the process of reviewing each of their candidate's eligibility based on professional and dispositional competencies to be recommended for licensure IF we had to stop right now.  Please know for a small handful of student teachers who: may not have been able to complete 9 weeks to date for a variety of reasons (including started their placement late or having missed a lot of time), are on a plan of improvement/intervention plan, successfully completed one block of student teaching but have not yet met the required competencies to be recommended for licensure, your program will be in touch on an individual basis in the coming weeks.  Feel free to reach out to your program coordinator if you think this might impact you.  They will not have any answers just yet, but it is good to leave the lines of communication open!

Also, be aware that in the coming weeks, your program may be in touch with expectations (video observations, assignments, reflections, etc.) to meet some of the criteria/competencies for the second block of student teaching.

What happens if schools where I'm placed reopen before May 6th?
We are looking into the possibility that IF schools were to reopen, that student teachers could determine (based on their own health and well-being) if they are able to return to the classroom.  The decision would be voluntary. It would help to better prepare candidates for the profession, and of course remove any doubt about meeting requirements.

What happens if schools where I am placed offer online/distance education or extension activities?
It is an excellent learning opportunity for candidates and will help to support P-12 learners. Please continue to track involvement with these activities in Tk20.  While these hours cannot count towards the direct teaching hours, they definitely will be considered as part of overall field experiences.  Fill out weekly activity logs and reflections. Note: candidates are not required to go into teacher workdays that are happening these weeks while schools are closed, but if you decide to go, please indicate it on Tk20.

Other important information:


1. Please follow the instructions for Applying for Initial Virginia Teaching License at https://www.jmu.edu/coe/esc/_files/Applying-Initial-Licensure-1.pdf as reviewed during the student teaching conference.  You can mail in your licensure application at the address on the bottom of the PDF.  Be sure to follow the instructions for ordering your transcript as indicated on the PDF.


2. If you still need to pass a licensure assessment (VCLA, Praxis Subject Assessment, and/or RVE - see https://www.jmu.edu/coe/esc/_files/Assessments_for_VA_Licensure.pdf), it is possible that your test center may be closed - Ashby Lab is closed to all ETS testing through May 15.  There are some test centers that have not closed, so you should check with ETS or Pearson test centers in your area.  Please be aware -- you will need these assessments for program completion and licensure.  The same goes with First Aid/CPR/AED certification.  You will be allowed to receive your degree without these tests, in light of our need to be flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, based on current state regulations we cannot consider you a program completer for verification forms or submit your licensure packets until we receive your assessment reports.  If anything changes regarding this, we will let you know!



3. Please refer to President Alger's email sent yesterday (3/18/2020) regarding spring commencement ceremonies being postponed.  JMU will be back in touch when further information is available.


The bottom line  - we are working hard to ensure candidates will be able to receive degrees and be licensed in all cases where it is possible!



As always, if you have any concerns, please continue to feel free to reach out to Dara Hall [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or Dean L'Esperance [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.



Wishing you all good health!

Dara

Dara Hall, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Teacher Education and Student Success
Education Support Center, Memorial Hall 7230/40
JMU College of Education
540-568-2996

From: Hall, Dara - halldm
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 5:58 PM
To: Hall, Dara - halldm ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: RE: IMPORTANT Spring 2020 Student Teacher Announcement re: COVID-19 (3/16/20)

Good evening, Spring 2020 Student Teachers,

I promised you an update this evening, but I want to let you know that we are still in the process of determining next steps - both university-wide and in our teacher education programs.

We want to assure you that we are working hard to figure out how to help our teacher candidates to successfully complete their programs and graduate, AND of course to make sure that our candidates will be prepared for their profession. There are required student teaching competencies and state regulations that we are using to guide our conversations.

I have had a number of students ask questions about tracking hours.  You do not have to track your time/hours.  Do not worry about tracking your exact hours or about your approved absences or days that you have missed so far at this time - any absences should be reflected in your activity logs.

Make sure you have completed your activity log from last week and your weekly reflection.  I have to imagine you must have a lot of interesting thoughts and experiences to reflect on.

Please know that we definitely understand that 'not knowing' can be anxiety producing.  I hope to have more information in the coming days to allay your anxiety, and I will continue to update you on a regular basis.  As always, if you have questions or concerns before the next update, please feel free to contact me at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or Dean L'Esperance at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
We appreciate your patience as we work through this very unique situation!

Stay well -
Dara

Dara Hall, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Teacher Education and Student Success
Education Support Center, Memorial Hall 7230/40
JMU College of Education
540-568-2996

From: Hall, Dara - halldm
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2020 8:27 PM
Subject: RE: IMPORTANT Spring 2020 Student Teacher Announcement re: COVID-19
Importance: High

Good evening, Spring 2020 Student Teachers,

James Madison University officials continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We are following guidance from the Governor of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention related to public safety and university operations. Today, Governor Ralph Northam ordered all K-12 schools to close on Monday and remain closed for two weeks.

As indicated below, since school divisions are closed, please don't fret.  I will be back in touch by the end of the day on Monday 3/16 to update you with more information.

For now stay healthy and enjoy some well-deserved rest and self-care this weekend.  Remember to continue to follow recommendations for social distancing and recommended health practices.

If you have questions or concerns before the update on Monday, please feel free to contact me at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or Dean L'Esperance at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
Take care everyone!
Dara

Dara Hall, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Teacher Education and Student Success
Education Support Center, Memorial Hall 7230/40
JMU College of Education
540-568-2996

From: Hall, Dara - halldm
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 3:45 PM
To: Hall, Dara - halldm ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Cc: L'Esperance, Mark Edward - lesperme <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Zugelder, Bryan S - zugeldbs <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Thelk, Amy Dimarco - thelkad <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Almarode, John - almarojt <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Tomhave, Roger - tomhavrd <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Tollefson, Karin Lee - tollefkl <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Myers, Joy - myersjk <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; McCartney, Holly - mccarthb <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Hughes, Michelle A - hughesma <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Garcia de Lazo, Ingrid - garciaij <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Williams, Mira Cole - willi9mc <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Barrio-Olano, Jose Ignacio - barrioji <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Bronaugh, Dani - bronauda <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Ward, Sheila Palmer - ward3sp <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Dredger, Katie - dredgemk <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Kinsey, Sandy - kinseyse <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Maynard, Lisa - maynarlm <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Williams, Jacqueline A - williaja <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Blatz, Sharon - blatzsl <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Koubek, Katya - koubekex <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Wasta, Stephanie - wastasa <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Streeter, Joshua - streetjr <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Miller-Corso, Suzanne Marie - mille2sm <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Snyder, Sara Moore - snyde3sm <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Snider, Lisa Kaye - sniderlk <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Sharifian, Maryam Sadat - sharifms <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Ungar, Pamela K - ungarpk <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; Barbano, Jenny - barbanja <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>; James, Benita Marie - james2bm ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: IMPORTANT Spring 2020 Student Teacher Announcement re: COVID-19
Importance: High

Dear Spring 2020 Student Teachers,

It was wonderful seeing those of you in attendance at the ST Conference! You are participating in student teaching during what will one day become a very memorable time for all of us.

The university has closely monitored the rapidly changing situation around COVID-19. As decisions are made to be proactive to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, JMU leadership has understood the unique situation for student teachers who are placed in school divisions throughout the state of Virginia and who need as many hours as possible for program completion and licensure.

Therefore, no matter what decisions are made at JMU, student teachers WILL continue to student teach in their current school division by following decisions made by each individual school division in which you are placed. If school remains open, you should continue to go to school. If students are not coming into schools but teachers are going in for workdays, you should plan to continue to go to your placement.  If students are being taught remotely, you should try to participate in that opportunity - what a wonderful learning experience! If school divisions are closed at some point for teachers, don't fret - it means you are not expected to teach during that time.  As always, if you are sick, you should not be going to school - follow the recommendations of your health professional.

The good news is that I believe that for most of you we will have enough hours for program completion and licensure! Which means you will be able to graduate on time.  We will review the situation for each of our student teachers to make sure you can be successful.  If we have any concerns about your need to extend time, we will work with students on a case by case basis.

This is a time when we remember how remarkable teachers are in their flexibility and resiliency!  Keep doing the excellent work that you are doing!

Please feel free to contact me as questions and concerns arise!

Best,
Dara

Dara Hall, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Teacher Education and Student Success
Education Support Center, Memorial Hall 7230/40
JMU College of Education
540-568-2996


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