Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find Metcalf?
Thomas Metcalf Elementary School is located on the corner of University and College Avenue. Visitors, observers, clinical students, etc. may check in the at the main office and receive assistance in finding a specific classroom.

Do I need my ISU ID?
Yes!. For security purposes, all students coming into Metcalf to complete a field experience must wear their ISU photo ID. Driver's license ID is not acceptable. Our main office sells plastic ID holders for you to purchase for 25 cents.

Is there a dress code?
Yes! All students coming to Metcalf for field experiences are expected to dress professionally. Refrain from wearing low cut or revealing clothes, halter tops, hats or body piercing .You will find out more about this by reading Guidelines for Observers.

Is is OK for me to participate with the class during my observation time?
 Most teachers welcome observers as participants in their classroom. If you have a specific assignment that you need to complete, by all means do that. But if you want to get the most from an observation, be willing to pitch in, as needed, and according to the individual teacher's needs.

What if I miss my observation time?
All observations must be rescheduled by completing a blue form which you may obtain in the Metcalf main office. You will be contacted via email when you new observation date is set.

How do I request observations at Metcalf for my students?
If your course requires observations and you want to request them at Metcalf, you may request electronically. You will find that link on the main Metcalf Teacher Education page, on the left menu. We will email you when your schedule is complete.

How do my students know when they are scheduled for observations?
After we receive your request, and the student information sheet, we begin scheduling observers. You can direct your students to the main page of the Metcalf Teacher Ed website. There they will click on the course/section and find their observation schedule.

Who do I contact at Metcalf if I have questions about field experiences?
Karen Irvin, Teacher Ed. Coordinator
kpirvin at ilstu.edu

FAQ's
by Metcalf Faculty

What do I need to do to get ready for observers?
Metcalf teachers can expect ISU observers
as soon as the third week of school and throughout the school year. Please post the  Guidelines for Observers, any classroom guidelines you need for the students to read (ie: where to sit, etc.) and have sign in sheets, inside of your classroom, ready for the observers to sign.

What do I do with my completed sign-in sheets?
Return them to Karen Irvin's mailbox. We use them to verify student attendance at their scheduled observation time.

Do I need to sign a form for each observer?
We discourage instructors from requesting a teacher signature for each observation. However, there are still some who do. ISU students are informed that it is their responsibility to seek a signature during a time when the teacher is not involved in direct instruction of the class as a whole, or a small group.