Student teaching is a supervised, hands-on experience where aspiring teachers apply the knowledge gained in their education program by working in a real classroom with actual students and is the final stage before becoming a certified teacher. It is the capstone experience of the Educator Preparation Program and is to be completed the last semester prior to graduation. It is a semester-long clinical teaching opportunity to enact teaching knowledge and skills under the supervision of a campus based cooperating teacher and a university supervisor. Candidates are placed in a classroom for either the spring or fall semester to complete a 490-hour (the approximate equivalent of 70 days) clinical student teaching assignment.

Undergraduate students will enroll in one of these courses usually during their last semester before graduating with a bachelor’s degree: EDUA/EDSR 4601 (EC-6 certifications), 4602 (4-8 certifications), 4603 (All-Level/EC-12 certifications), or 4605 (Secondary certifications).

In order to be accepted as a student teacher you must apply at least one semester before you plan to student teach.

• If you plan to student teach in a fall semester, you’ll need to apply and complete all prerequisites in the spring or summer of the same calendar year.
• If you plan to student teach in a spring semester, you’ll need to apply and complete all prerequisites in the fall of the previous calendar year.

Applying for Student Teaching

Student teaching applications are accepted during the year with specific timelines for approval.  These dates are posted on the Education website and also listed on the SRSU Academic Calendar.  Applications can be obtained from the Department of Education or found on the Education website.  Applications are reviewed and candidates are notified via email regarding acceptance to the student teaching capstone for the upcoming semester.  If denied, the letter will outline the criteria needed to meet eligibility for acceptance. There is not an appeal process. Students may contact their academic advisor or Director of Teacher Education with any questions regarding their denial notification.

Preclinical Field Experience

The completion of the minimum number of hours of fieldwork (50 clock hours) as required by TEA prior to enrollment in student teaching.

Criteria for Acceptance into Student Teaching

• Teacher candidates must meet the following requirements to enter student teaching:
• Admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP).
• Entering the last semester prior to graduation (Capstone).
• Completion of all coursework with the exception of the remaining Block III Course (Professional Education Courses).
• Minimum Overall GPA of 2.75.
• Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.75 in Area of Concentration/Major and Professional Education courses.
• Passing score on the TExES Content Exam.
• Student teaching applicants should consult their advisor and catalog for specific details regarding eligibility.
• Student Teacher Orientation
• A required orientation is held early in the semester prior to beginning student teaching to explain requirements and review student teaching placement. The orientation meeting date is announced on the Education website and all eligible candidates receive a personal invitation from the Department of Education with details of the meeting.

To apply for Student Teaching, click here to visit the Applications page.