CMU Midtier Program

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • When do I fill out the paperwork for my Midtier placement?
    If you are an elementary student, once you are admitted into the teacher education program you will be notified to sign up for your cohort classes on line. During this sign up procedure you will also fill out your forms for your Midtier field placement. The forms are listed on the Midtier web site. The typed forms are then returned to EHS 421 on or before the due date listed.
    If you are a secondary student, once you have enrolled in your secondary Midtier course, you will receive an e-mail via your CMU global ID instructing you to log onto the Midtier web site. You will fill out your forms on the web site, print the forms and bring the typed documents to EHS 421 on or before the due date listed. Please note, successful completion of your 45- pre professional hours must be on file in the CSS office to be eligible for your Midtier field placement.
    Admission into the teacher education program is required before enrolling in your secondary Midtier class.
  • When do I find out which school I am assigned to for my Midtier?
    Your Midtier placement information will be available on your Student Information Sheet on line. On your first day of your method class on campus, the Midtier coordinator will come to the class and go over a complete packet of information and forms that are required for this fieldwork.
  • Can I choose my own school for my Midtier assignment?
    No, you may not choose your own school but if you live out of the Mt. Pleasant area, the coordinator will take suggestions in order to place you as close to your home as possible.
  • Can I do my Midtier fieldwork in my home school?
    No, you may not do your Midtier hours in your home school. Even if you have graduated many years prior to your experience you still cannot go back to your home school.
  • Can I contact a teacher on my own before my placement?
    No, please do not make contact with schools before your placement is assigned to you. After you have your Midtier information you are encouraged to call the school and make contact at that time.
  • What if my schedule changed after I filled out my Midtier forms and I can’t make my assigned time for the fieldwork?
    You are always welcome to rearrange your schedule with your host teacher once you have your placement. The host teacher has the final say on changes but most teachers are very accommodating to Midtier students. You will complete a Midtier Placement Verification assignment on Blackboard, and you can turn in your changes at that time. Day and time changes are sometimes made after you receive your placement information.
  • When and where do I turn in the required forms?
    The Midtier coordinator will be coming to your on campus method class 4 times during the semester. The specific dates will be listed on Blackboard and on the midtier website. You will be required to turn in all forms and evaluations at those class meetings. Any form not turned in at your method class becomes your responsibility to bring to EHS 421.
  • What are journals and when are those required?
    Focus journals will be submitted on Blackboard. The due dates for the journals are posted on Blackboard.
  • What if I don’t get along with my host teacher or if I sense problems in the classroom?
    If you are experiencing problems with your placement you should contact the Midtier coordinator immediately. At that time the coordinator will go over the concerns with you and make an assessment on whether a new placement is needed. Always communicate early if you sense a problem or concern about your placement.
  • Who evaluates my classroom experience?
    Your host teacher fills out two evaluations on your classroom performance. One is filled out after your 5th week in the classroom. The final evaluation is completed on your last visit. You will also have two lesson evaluations done by your host teacher, one after each lesson you present in the classroom. All of these evaluations have due dates. Your faculty instructor will have forms and other requirements that coincide with your on campus method class. On some occasions the midtier coordinator will be making visits to your host classroom.
  • What happens if I don’t finish my Midtier hours?
    You must complete all requirements in Midtier in order to be eligible to student teach. This includes field hours, forms, evaluations, requirements and a final grade from your university Midtier instructor.
  • Can I go to my host classroom more than once a week?
    Yes, if you have time in your schedule you can attend more than 3 hours per week. If you plan on finishing your Midtier hours in less than 7 weeks please get your faculty instructor to approve the change. Often your method class will have assignments that parallel with your fieldwork
  • I lost a form I need, what do I do?
    You can pick up extra Midtier forms in EHS 421 or log on to the Midtier web site and click on the section listed Midtier Field Experience Forms. All forms are available on line.
  • What’s the best way to get in touch with the Midtier coordinator?
    The best way to contact the Midtier coordinator is by email -- papel1rj@cmich.edu.
  • What if I can’t make a day I am scheduled to be in the school classroom?
    If you can’t make your scheduled time you must contact your host teacher and or host school before your absence. The teacher is expecting you and usually plans activities with your availability in mind. Always get the school phone number and host teacher’s phone number on your first visit to your classroom.
  • I’m a little apprehensive about going into a school classroom. Can I prepare for this experience in some way?
    Having a passion to teach and be a part of the lives of young people is the best prerequisite. All of your method classes will help give you needed skills. New situations are not always easy but all the host teachers are very accepting and welcome your presence and help in the classroom. Enjoy this experience and let it be the first step in your career as a professional educator. Schools need great teachers and Central Michigan University desires to help develop and foster great teachers.