School Districts

Applying for Placement Step by Step to Apply in a District 

Although the lab instructor will assist when appropriate, it is your responsibility to locate a school where you can do your labs. Please remember - the state coordinating board requires that you complete your labs / observations in a public-school classroom. Childcare centers and private schools are not acceptable sites for labs / observations.  Each district has procedures and timelines for applying for placement. It is imperative that you start this process immediately and follow the steps as written.  Delaying the completion of the district steps may significantly delay your opportunity to get started and may hinder you from completing the required number of hours. Even if you completed labs in a previous semester, you must apply for placement. Many students currently work in public school ISDs. While this experience is great for your careers, the state coordinating board does not allow you to count your work experience for the labs / observation hours. You might be able to complete your lab / observation hours at your school, but you will need to check with your HR representative and principal. In many cases, you will still need to fill out the observer application.  

Step One: CHOOSE A DISTRICT 

Choose a participating district. The participating districts can vary from semester to semester, so make sure that you review the participating districts before proceeding. (Note: McKinney ISD has a small placement apply before deadline). Review districts excel sheet below to see placement requirements, also visit the school district website as it provides additional steps for placement.

Step Two: COMPLETE A BACKGROUND CHECK 

Each district requires its own background check. In other words, background checks do not transfer from district to district. For example, if you had a background check done in Allen ISD, but want to apply in Plano ISD, you will have to submit a background check in Plano ISD. Some districts have online background check forms available through the Human Resource Department website and some districts require that you complete the background check at the school. 

If you completed a background check in the district in the fall semester and now want to continue your labs in the same district for the spring semester, then a new background check is not required. The background check will roll over from fall to spring. HOWEVER, the districts clear out the background checks over the summer. So, if you completed a background check in the spring and want to continue the following fall, then you will need to submit a new background check.  

Sometimes, background checks can take several weeks. So, be patient. The district will contact you with the results via email. The education department faculty and staff do not receive copies or notifications of your background check. If you have a question regarding the background check, you will need to contact the district's Human Resource Department.  

Step Three: APPLY IN A DISTRICT 

Apply in the district - following the steps outlined - Some districts (i.e., Plano ISD Princeton ISD) require a supervisor send a placement request on your behalf. Once you have completed steps on the website, complete the lab placement request form and submit it through Canvas. (Emails will are not accepted).

Step Four: SUBMIT PLACE INFORMATION IN CANVAS

Once you have been placed submit this information in Canvas for grading. 

Click here to access district spreadsheet:

List of Districts