Visiting Exemplary Science Teachers
- Review the list of exemplary science teachers in your discipline. Observe three (3) or more from this list or from lists recommended by school administrators.
- Email and/or call these teachers to ask if you can observe them teach. Please use the following format when requesting a visit.
Dear __________(teacher name). My name is ___________ and I am a graduate student in Dr. Norm Herr's Methods of Teaching Science course at California State University Northridge, and am pursuing a credential in __________ (biology, chemistry, physics,geoscience, foundation level science). One of our course assignments is to observe exemplary science teachers in local secondary schools, and I was wondering if I could have the privilege ob observing you in on one of the following dates: __________ (dates). Please let me know if you and your administration approve, and if so, what date and time works best for you. Please let me know if I should also contact other school personnel to arrange a visit. Thank you very much for your time. Sincerely, ________ (your name)
(your name)
Science Credential Candidate
Department of Secondary Education
California State University, Northridge
(your email)
(your phone)
course website: https://sites.google.com/site/csun525s
Professor Herr's website: https://sites.google.com/site/drnormanherr
Call the school ahead of your visit and let them know that you will be coming to visit a teacher on campus. Make sure you understand and abide by the school's protocol for visitors.
Sign in and out at the office. Always go to the main office before going to a teacher's classroom. Make certain to sign-in and secure a visitor sticker or badge. Make sure to sign out upon leaving the campus.
Dress and act professionally. Make sure to dress and act professionally at all times.
Email correspondence - Make certain to confirm your visit by email and write a letter thanking them for the visit once your visit is complete.