Students are generally placed in close enough proximity so that weekly seminar requirements can be met. Students are responsible for their own transportation. In no case does the student initiate a contact with a school administrator or cooperating teacher to arrange a placement. Students are not placed in the elementary or secondary school which they attended, or in which a relative is currently employed. Site selection is made in part to enable supervision by IWU faculty, except in the case of approved, alternative placements through the Urban Education Program in Chicago.
All placements are subject to approval by representatives of the off-campus site.
Extra-Curricular Activities Student teaching requires students' extensive time, commitment, and involvement. It is expected that each student's full and undivided attention will be given to student teaching and the student teaching seminar. Pursuit of extra-curricular activities during student teaching places candidates at risk with respect to their professional performance. Students are not prohibited from employment or extra-curricular activities, but under no circumstances may these activities prevent students from attending school every day, or participating in any late afternoon or evening school activities required of teachers . Of primary concern to the IWU supervisor and the cooperating teacher is each student's demonstrated commitment to, and performance of, teaching and those professional activities related to teaching.