Enrolling Teachers into SIS

Can all student teachers enroll?

No.  Only student teachers who are teaching at a school and with students who fit into one of the critical needs areas listed on the Student Teaching Verification Form can take part in SIS.

Why can student teachers get involved in SIS?

The Students in Service (SIS) program is dedicated to engaging college students from participating campuses to serve in critical need areas in their community.  One critical need area is for greater educational opportunities for low-income student populations, Special Education, ESL/Bilingual Education, and in Math and Science Education.  The SIS program wants to encourage student teachers to complete their student teaching in one of the critical areas noted on the Student Teaching Verification Form in order to strengthen the local community.  Also, student’s teaching (serving) disadvantaged youth in the area of education fits into the parameters of the SIS grant funded by CNCS.

What do qualified student teachers have to do in order to enroll into the SIS program?

A student teacher enrolls just like any other SIS member except for the addition to the enrollment package of the Student Teaching Verification Form.  This form needs to be signed by a school administrator (principal, vice principal, etc.) at the school service site so that they confirm that the school meets one of the critical needs requirements.  A student teacher cannot be enrolled into SIS until all their enrollment package is complete and all the paperwork is signed on or before their official enrollment date.

How do I market to student teachers?

Posting SIS flyers/posters in the Education Department is a good idea; however, contacting the Chair/Dean of the Education Department and possible scheduling a short presentation to teaching faculty is a best practice. It would be a best practice to schedule a presentation in an actual classroom filled with students who are about to choose sites for their student teaching internship. Also, letting the Student Teacher Internship Coordinator on your campus know about the SIS program will help with letting student teachers know about the opportunity to get involved in the SIS program.

Another idea is to contact local schools directly in your area that you know receive Title 1 funding, have a Special Education program, ESL/ Bilingual Education program, or high needs in Math and Sciences Education. Let the school do the recruiting for you as it benefits your SIS program, the school, and the enrolling members.

What is Title 1?

Title 1, Part A program is a federal funded program that help ensure all children have the opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state and academic standards and testing.  The program focuses on promoting reform in high-poverty schools and ensures student access to scientifically-based instructional strategies and challenging academic content.

Learn more about Title 1 funding

Title 1 program overview in Washington State

Montana Student Teacher Information