Most students are placed in their first practicum assignment soon after their initial acceptance into a teacher education program. While being exposed to a teacher's perspective of the classroom, practicum students observe and assist in instruction. In addition to gaining experience in the classroom, this exposure aids students in making informed decisions about teaching as a career choice. The number and length of each pre-student teaching experience or practicum varies relative to requirements of each program area, however, all areas complete a minimum of 50 clock hours of practicum to fulfill minimum Iowa licensure requirements. The final phase of the teacher education program is the professional semester which is devoted to supervised student teaching and directed observation in a variety of situations.
Periodic seminars provide for discussion and evaluation of the student teaching experience.
The student teaching requirement may not be met by transfer credit except under unusual circumstances and with advanced approval. Approval for student teaching is based on a variety of criteria including specific course grades and University of Iowa grade point average as well as overall grade point average. Admission to student teaching requires a separate application. Opportunities for overseas and urban student teaching experiences are available. Admission to student teaching requires faculty approval in the program area.