Single Subject Credential Program Student Teaching

Traditional Student Teaching

Traditional student teaching placements are made by the subject area program coordinator with cooperating teachers in area schools that CSULB has a current affiliation agreement with.  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 to assume 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.  The required student teaching seminar (EDSS 473) is held during the student teaching term by each single subject program area.  Seminars meet regularly at CSULB.

The University Supervisor is highly encouraged to visit student teachers bi-weekly during the semester, and conferences with the student teacher around teaching in general and specific strengths and weaknesses of the student teacher.  The supervisor works as both a supporter and evaluator of the student teacher.  A preliminary evaluation is done around mid-term by the cooperating teacher and the University Supervisor.  A final evaluation is completed at the conclusion of the assignment.   Both evaluations are done online via www.Taskstream.com.  Student teachers are graded on a “Credit/No Credit” basis for the courses, EDSS 472A, 472B and 472C (minimum "B" level performance required). Both the mid-term and final evaluations must be submitted on www.Taskstream.com in order to be recommended for a credential.

Student teachers are expected to dress appropriately, be punctual, and conduct themselves professionally at all times.  Student teachers performing below standard may be withdrawn from the assignment on the recommendation of the cooperating teacher or the University Supervisor.  In such a case, candidates may petition for a second opportunity to student teach after successful completion of an approved remediation plan.  Student teaching coursework may be repeated for a maximum of 10 units only.

Student teaching application meetings are held during the first two weeks of the semester ending 3 weeks prior to the submission deadline.  Candidates must attend one of these meetings in the semester preceding the anticipated student teaching semester.   Student teaching applications are due OCTOBER 1 for Spring semester student teaching and MARCH 1 for Summer and Fall student teaching.  There are only a limited number of student teaching placements in selected subject programs during the summer. 

Student teaching is 15 units of credit (EDSS 472A, 472B, 472C @ 5 units each).  Students must register for all three courses.  Registration codes are distributed by the Single Subject Program Office just prior to the semester.  (Course codes in the Schedule of Classes are for demonstration purposes only and should not be used.)

In order to advance to student teaching, candidates must pass the CBEST exam, submit proof of character clearance (fingerprint check), demonstrate subject matter competence, complete all professional preparation (education)  courses with a "B" average and no grade lower than "C," pass EDSS 450 with a minimum "B" grade, submit a student teaching application by the appropriate deadline and be approved for student teaching by their Credential Advisor.

Other Types of Student Teaching

In special circumstances candidates may be approved to use a placement at a private school or employment to satisfy the student teaching requirement.  Candidates must receive approval from the subject area Credential Advisor, the University Coordinator and the Single Subject Credential Program Petition Committee.  Please make an appointment to meet with your Credential Advisor and the Single Subject Credential Office (562-985-5325) for more information.

For qualified candidates participating in the Math, English or Science program, an Early Completion Option is available. See the Single Subject Credential Program office for more information.