Student teaching is a “hands on” learning experience, occurring during the semester immediately prior to graduation.
Student Teachers are placed in school settings with a certified classroom teacher who has completed at least three years of satisfactory teaching service and who has agreed to mentor a Student Teacher. Student Teachers are required to follow the teaching schedule of their Cooperating Teacher all day, five days per week.
During the semester, Student Teachers are expected to participate in all four domains of the Danielson Teacher Effectiveness Model (Planning and Preparation, Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities). This “hands-on” emphasis on student performance during student teaching represents a strong focus on the Student Teachers' ability to apply the knowledge and skills previously acquired in their coursework.
Student Teachers are regularly observed, provided constructive feedback for further develop their skills as pre-service educators, and evaluated on a variety of work products relevant to their certification area.
Additional support for the Student Teacher is provided by a University Supervisor who makes frequent visits to the Student Teacher’s placement site to conduct observations and evaluate progress. Additionally, school administrators can provide a third layer of support to promote the Student Teacher’s success in that school.
The student teaching semester begins with an orientation to student teaching. Student Teachers also attend on-campus seminars on topics critical to their success during student teaching and securing a teaching position.
Success is highly dependent upon a communicative, collaborative, and mutually supportive effort among the Student Teacher, the Cooperating Teacher, and the University Supervisor.