Demonstration teaching is the culminating experience in the teacher preparation program and is an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills. Education professionals participate in orientation activities and then gradually assume complete teaching responsibility of an elementary classroom. Education professionals take full control for 4 consecutive weeks over a 12-week placement, gaining real-world experience and the opportunity to translate theory into practice.
Candidates demonstrate the various roles of an elementary educator. Education professionals work closely with, and are evaluated by, their Walden University supervisor, classroom cooperating teacher, and Walden faculty member. During demonstration teaching, all professionals complete the Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), participate in weekly discussions, and complete a collaboration based major assessment. This course requires a 12-week full-time classroom experience at a school approved by Walden University.