Student Teaching

1. Fill out the Student Teaching Application.

2. Upload the following required documents to the application form:

• Student Teaching applications must be submitted by the designated deadline and have all required documents uploaded.
• Late applications will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

When do I need to pass my CSET exams/meet subject matter competency?

CTC's Subject Matter Competency Requirement must be met in order to apply for student teaching. See the methods to meet Subject Matter Competency.

For students using examination to meet Subject Matter Competency, all CSET exams must be passed prior to the student teaching application deadline for the semester that they plan to student teach. We do not make exceptions for CSET exams or extend the application deadline because CSETs have not been passed. Students should be aware of CSET test release dates and plan accordingly so that CSET results are received prior to the application deadline.  

What if I have not passed met subject matter competency and/or I am not ready to apply for student teaching/teaching internship?

Students can take a Leave of Absence (LOA) until they are able to pass their CSETs. Students can remain on an LOA for up to one year. If students are gone for more than one year, they have to be readmitted to the school. This is a good option for students who are struggling to balance the load of coursework and the additional time to study for CSETs. It will give them a moment to pause from the program and focus on their exams. This option will extend their program length. If a student plans to take an LOA, they should contact their designated academic advisor.

When do TB Tests expire?

TB skin tests expire after 2 years and chest x-ray exams expire after 5 years. The TB needs to remain current during student teaching/interning and when applying for the Preliminary Credential.

CPR Certificate

All student teachers and interns must have a valid CPR certificate that covers infants, children, and adults. It needs to remain current during student teaching/interning and when applying for the Preliminary Credential. Students should check the expiration date on the CPR card to ensure that it will not expire while they are in the field. If it will expire, it needs to be renewed for the student teaching or intern application.

Student Teaching Review/Placement Process

After the Student Teaching Request Form closes, the Office of Licensures and Credentialing (OLC) will review applications to determine if students meet the requirements to advance to student teaching.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required documents have been submitted. Late documents will not be accepted and incomplete applications will be denied. 

Once applications are reviewed, OLC will send student teaching placement requests to the preferred districts indicated in the application. Districts will then contact schools/principals who then reach out to individual teachers. This is a slow process. OLC is typically securing placements for 150+ student teachers each semester and the placement process takes months. OLC will provide all students with placement status update e-mails. Once a placement has been confirmed by the district, the OLC will notify the student of their student teaching placement details via e-mail.

Can I find my own student teaching placement?

Students may not coordinate their own student teaching placements. All student teaching placements are coordinated through the Office of Licensures and Credentialing with partnered schools/districts. Every effort will be made to place a student in a preferred district indicated in their student teaching request form. 

Student Teaching Placements & Conflicts of Interest

Student Teaching placements will not be made where there is a potential conflict of interest. This includes being at a school site where a relative works, children attend, or where students have been previously employed (not including substitute teaching). Students need to indicate any conflict of interest in the districts they are requesting on their student teaching request form. 

Having a conflict of interest at one school site does not mean a student can't be placed in that district. OLC will seek a placement at a school site in the district where there is not a conflict of interest. 

The conflict of interest policy does not apply to substitute teaching positions. 

Can I be placed with a cooperating teacher who was my former instructor, an acquaintance, a family friend, a family member, etc?

No. The Office of Licensures and Credentialing expects that all student teachers and interns benefit from diverse training and education that is not based on previous relationships. This is to assure that previously established biases (positive or negative) would not impact student teachers and interns during their fieldwork.

Can I student teach virtually? 

OLC will not place students in virtual a student teaching placement. Virtual placement can be considered if approved by CTC because all schools are teaching virtually. 

If students have any additional questions, our advising team can provide support. Please visit the advising services page to identify who to contact on our advising team.