Phase IV - Summer Field Experience and Cultural Workshop

After candidates pass a Praxis II test in a core academic subject and successfully complete the Spring Pre-service Learning, candidates will attend an intensive six-week field experience in Anchorage, Alaska that will begin in May or June (dependent on summer school availability). The summer field experience is intended to reinforce the pedagogy learned during the Spring Pre-service Learning by focusing on the State of Alaska Beginning Teacher Standards & Competencies. Candidates will need to successfully complete an Orientation class and an Introduction to the Code of Ethics course prior to working with students. Candidates will have the opportunity to intern in a classroom under the guidance of a host teacher. During this time, candidates will also attend an Alaska Native Heritage Center workshop series to increase cultural awareness and understanding. Candidates will create a professional portfolio demonstrating different strategies supporting the Beginning Teaching Standards.

Summer field experience includes:

1. One week AKT2 orientation attending the Anchorage School District (ASD) Summer Academy,
2. Internship during the ASD summer school session, including observation and participation in instructional design and classroom management with mentorship from experienced ASD teachers.

The summer field experience consolidates a great deal of learning time into only a few weeks; thus, the field experience is rigorous and demanding. Due to strict Alaska State guidelines and the critical importance of the summer field experience for the AKT2 program, candidates cannot miss any part of summer field experience.

After the Summer Field Experience and Cultural Workshop

Successful completion of the Summer Field Experience and Cultural Workshop is contingent upon a recommendation from the AKT2 Director. Those who successfully complete all pre-service activities but who have been unable to secure a teaching position will be eligible to apply for teaching positions for one more school year. Candidates who have successfully completed all Phase IV requirements and who have secured a teaching position in a partner district will apply for an Initial Teacher Certificate and move on to Phase V.