Pre-Practicum Apprenticeship/Seminar

In this course, students gain practical teaching experience in diverse elementary and secondary schools of greater Boston, including those where students engage with children who are English Language Learners (ELL) and are provided with Sheltered English Immersion (SEI). When completing the hours associated with ELL/SEI, those enrolled in the course are encouraged to observe both core subject and music teachers. Students complete a minimum of 45 hours of fieldwork at the site. Students learn from a cooperating teacher in the field, who serves as their field-based supervisor. Students assist their cooperating teacher, as well as create and implement their own lessons. Students also assess their own teaching practice. They learn to improve their teaching, based on feedback from their cooperating teacher and from the Berklee faculty who observe them in the classroom. In the required seminar, students further evaluate their teaching experiences and share best practices. Students also learn from expert teachers who serve as guest lecturers in the seminar. A final written report and/or online journal is required.