Student Teaching
The student teaching semester is a significant period in the teacher preparation program. It represents both an end -- to undergraduate professional education -- and a beginning -- to the wonderful and challenging career of teaching. It is both a requirement -- for certification -- and an opportunity to prove that the beginning professional deserves to belong to the learning community which the field of education should signify, perhaps more than any other. This important time requires the total commitment of student teachers.
Student teaching applications must be submitted during the first week of the Fall or Spring term, immediately preceding the expected student teaching semester. These applications are carefully screened by the Education Department to ensure that all candidates are properly qualified. In order to qualify for student teaching, applications must show evidence that students have:
been accepted into the professional phase of the teacher preparation program;
earned a cumulative 3.0 QPA;
completed all Education and collateral courses with no grade less than a C;
taken all required Praxis exams (effective 9-03);
passed the Writing Competency Exam;
completed at least 150 hours of clinical experience (Elementary/Special Education candidates); 50 hours (secondary content area candidates).
Student teaching is a full-time responsibility, and candidates are encouraged to set aside other pursuits, including jobs, during the student teaching semester. The Education Department will not permit candidates to be enrolled in other course work while student teaching. Transportation for student teaching is the responsibility of each student.
Student Teaching Guidelines & Forms
Clinical Experiences