College of Education

Information

Residency

Residency Requirement

The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: Concentration in Early Childhood prepares individuals who aspire to become university professors and this requires research training and theory exploration. Much of this training occurs during a residency in which the doctoral student takes a full load of courses and engages in the research culture of the department. The residency is not a living arrangement; rather, a residency is a sustained and full-time academic experience in which doctoral students are apprenticed into academia.

To accomplish this focus on research training, each Ph.D. student is required to spend at least two consecutive semesters (Fall and Spring) as a full-time student on the Tampa Campus.

Assistantships

The student may work as a Graduate Assistant, teaching undergraduate courses and/or supervising students in field experiences. The student may also work as a Research Assistant on grants and other faculty research projects. Through the residency, students become immersed in the culture of academia and participate in research projects with faculty.

Teaching College Courses

When a doctoral student begins the residency year, there are several structures in place to support her or his teaching experience.

Coursework

Prior to the residency year, the doctoral student will enroll in EDG 7626 Supervised Teaching in Childhood Education and Literacy Studies I. In this course, the student will consider challenges and issues involved in pre-service teacher education. The student will reflect on his or her instruction, survey the pre-service teacher education literature, and develop an inquiry plan to study her or his own teaching. The course also provides an orientation to course syllabi, departmental expectations for student performance, and evaluation criteria and processes. In the second semester of the residency year, the student will enroll in EDG 7627 Supervised Teaching in Childhood Education and Literacy Studies II. The student will continue with the process of self-study and professional development under the guidance of faculty.

Workshops

In addition to support from faculty, students may also attend workshops and trainings offered through the Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence. C21TE assists faculty, teaching assistants, academic departments, and administrators with the teaching and learning aspects of USF’s mission.

Teaching with Technology

Students who work as Graduate Assistants receive exceptional training in teaching with technology. USF and the College of Education offer extensive services to support technology integration.

  • Laptops: Most students use their personal laptops. There are laptops available for checkout from the university AV office.
  • Classroom Equipment: Almost all of the university classrooms are equipped with instructional technology: computer, projector, sound system, document camera, DVD player.
  • iteach Lounge: The iteach Lounge is located in EDU 252. The iteach Lounge is an open access lab where students can work independently. In addition, the lounge may be reserved for classes. The lounge staff provide instructional technology support to all students, GA’s, and faculty. They offer workshops that are open to all students and they can also provide private workshops for your classes. Contact James Takacs (Director) takacs@usf.edu.
  • iteach Program: Dean Kennedy introduced the iteach Program in Fall 2010. iteach is a program resulting in a special designation that recognizes preservice teachers and College of Education faculty for their engagement with digital technologies. iteach students and faculty work with the latest mobile technology to integrate these resources into the their classrooms. In the department, the Dean selected Dr. Ilene Berson and Dr. Jenifer Schneider as inaugural iteach faculty. Dr. Michael Berson is the Professor and Director of iteach: berson@usf.edu.
  • Florida Center for Instructional Technology (FCIT): The Florida Center for Instructional Technology (FCIT) is located in the College of Education, EDU 147. FCIT is funded by the Florida Department of Education, school districts, educational foundations, and others to provide leadership, instructional materials, and support services to educational institutions in Florida and beyond with regard to the integration of technology into K-20 education. The Center is also funded by the USF College of Education to support USF faculty and students through the iTeach Initiative. FCIT offers free resources such as lesson plans, clip art, audiobooks, subject guides across the curriculum, multicultural resources, FCAT resources, Powerpoint/Keynote templates, and much more. https://fcit.coedu.usf.edu
  • Instructional Technology (USF): For information regarding your USF email or support for your personal computer use as a student or GA, please visit the IT website. In addition, USF offers free software for students and GA’s: http://it.usf.edu/
  • Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence (USF): Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence (C21TE) assists faculty, teaching assistants, academic departments, and administrators with the teaching and learning aspects of USF’s mission, especially concerning distance learning. They provide workshops and resources.
  • iTunes U: USF on iTunes U provides free access to a wide range of USF-related media via Apple's iTunes Music Store. You can access content for course presentations. You may also place student work on iTunes. Please contact James Takacs for information takacs@usf.edu.