This update is in response to President Fenves’ announcement yesterday about student housing. In it, he said “Starting on March 30, the university will be moving all spring semester classes online. We are asking students not to return to campus this semester unless there is a specific need. This decision has been made to protect the health and safety of all members of the UT community and reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the university and beyond.”
We are still requiring you to return to your schools if and when your schools reopen this spring, and as long as the schools allow non-staff presence. We are also requiring that you engage in virtual planning with the teachers when they return whether or not the students do. Further, it is likely that the remainder of your student teaching will be through virtual instruction with your students. If the schools reopen for students, you will be required to return to those schools, as well. What this may mean is, if you have moved away, you may have to return temporarily to finish your student teaching. Since all of this is changing every day, we are recommending that you have an alternative housing plan in the event that you have to return.
We know that things are changing very rapidly and this can be unsettling. We also know that you had not envisioned anything like this for your student teaching. Please know we are working to ensure that you have the necessary hours of clinical teaching required by the state for your certification. We are behind you and supporting you in every way we can. Please reach out to your cohort coordinator if you have questions or would like to talk further.
The Texas Education Agency is communicating with us regularly about making various levels of exceptions based on the Governor’s State Disaster Declaration. We will keep you informed as this information comes in.
Take good care.
Sharon Evans
Director of Education Services
