Case
Taken Advantage Of

Within my first internship, my cooperating teacher essentially had me take over the class within the very first week of my placement. I did not feel comfortable doing this as she had me doing tasks that were not required. For instance, making homework for the entire third grade team, teaching other classes besides my placement, and having me arrive and stay hours before and after school.

How should I have gone about this situation?

Solution #1
This may actually be addressed in your internship manual. Scratch that, checked your profile, you're a fellow USFSP student. That IS addressed. Our manual has a section dictating expectations for interns and CTs over the course of the semester (I believe it's a weekly basis but honestly it's been a while since I've checked the chart and I've had no problems with my CT so I never felt the need to check). I don't know if your CT technically signed a contract agreeing to the terms of the internship manual (I'd presume so but I don't know what it looks like from their end) but they still agreed to watch over you as a teacher. Breaking the rules set forth that they were expected to read itself is an ethical violation. (That and having someone not certified to be a teacher become the teacher and do all this work) I would recommend contacting USF and your Supervisor to discuss this. They should be able to transfer you to a new CT. I'm almost certain my supervisor mentioned this possibility. There should also be an option in Canvas for you to review your CT. I looked this over out of curiosity the other day, this gives you boxes to leave comments regarding your CT's behavior as a CT and if you'd recommend them. Feel free to use this.
Solution #2
You should talk to your supervisor with your college about your concerns. Do not remain silent, it is not fair to you.
Solution #3
Although you are uncomfortable, I would approach this teacher and ask how she can help you figure out a way for you to be comfortable. Although the teacher may seem she is taking advantage of you, she may have a reason for what she is doing and may have a reasonable answer when asked. Either way, you should talk to this teacher.
Solution #4
It may have been good practice looking back, however, if you were not comfortable, I would have spoken to someone that could help to transfer you, or that could have translated these frustrations for you.
Solution #5
I think that you should reach out to your higher ups and express to them your concerns about being taken advantage of.
Solution #6
I would most likely communicate with her and my supervisor about this to determine what you will be required and not required to do. I would also try to think of this as a learning experience, while you may feel uncomfortable at first you may learn to get better at it
Solution #7
I would talk to your school to see if they are able to transfer or move you. Maybe ask a professor or counselor their opinion on how to address it.
Solution #8
Perhaps the teacher was just helping you find your limits. If you exist only in a comfortable bubble, you'll never grow.