It is the time when theory and practice come together in an extended, intensive teaching assignment. Upon successful completion of student teaching, the program recommends the candidate for either the Preliminary or the Clear Credential. Student teaching placements are made by the program with cooperating teachers in area schools. Cooperating teachers are veteran teachers who are well skilled in pedagogy and content knowledge and serve to guide, support, and provide constructive feedback to the student teacher.
Student teachers are responsible for being at their school a minimum of five periods daily.
After a short orientation period, student teachers begin assuming responsibility for teaching three classes representing at least two different aspects or levels of their subject. Two additional periods are for observation, preparation, and consultation with the school and university supervisors. Student teaching follows the school district calendar of approximately 20 weeks. Seminars are held during the student teaching term by each single subject program area. The university supervisor makes approximately six observations during the semester, and conferences with the student teacher around teaching in general and specific strengths and weaknesses of the student teacher.