Student Teaching

Types of Student Teaching: Traditional | University Internship | Other Types of Student Teaching

Traditional

Traditional Student teaching placements are made by the program with cooperating teachers in area schools.  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 requires 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 makes a minimum of six observations 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.   Student teachers are graded on a “Credit/No Credit” basis for the courses, EDSS 472A, 472B and 472C (minimum "B" level performance required).  Student teachers must submit their mid-term and final evaluations to the Single Subject Credential Office 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  Student teachers performing below standard may be withdrawn from the assignment on the recommendation of the cooperating teacher or the University Supervisor.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.  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, meet the U. S. Constitution requirement, 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, and be approved for student teaching by their Credential Advisor.

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University Internship

University Internships are an alternative to traditional student teaching for completing the culminating field experience in the program.  Since they are full-time teaching positions, internships are limited to students who demonstrate a high degree of readiness for teaching.  To participate in an internship, candidates must have the approval of the Credential Advisor in their subject area and the approval of the University Coordinator. The Single Subject Credential Program assesses internship applications with a critical eye toward the aptitude and skill development of the potential intern.  Internship applications are rejected for candidates who have not demonstrated readiness for complete responsibility for a full-time teaching position.

Internships are collaborative arrangements between the university and a school district in which the intern is employed in an entry-level paid teaching position.  Intern Credentials are valid for two years.  The internship offer is made by the school district, and must be in the candidate’s teaching field.  Interns cannot teach out of their field.  There also must be a District/University Internship Agreement in place between the district and CSULB.  Please contact the Single Subject Credential Office for a list of current internship districts.

Please Note:  Being offered an internship position by a district does not guarantee that an internship will be approved.  Advising appointments should be made with your subject area Credential Advisor and the Single Subject Credential Office if you are considering applying for an internship.

Intern candidates must qualify for advancement to student teaching.  They apply to student teach along with other students.  However, they also file a separate internship application (obtained in the Single Subject Program office).  The school provides a Site Support Teacher for the intern.  A University Supervisor also works with the intern and the Site Support Teacher, making observation visits and conferencing with the intern on a regular basis. A Preliminary Evaluation is done around mid-term by the site support teacher and the university supervisor.  A Final Evaluation is completed at the conclusion of the assignment.  Intern Student Teachers are graded on a “Credit/No Credit” basis for the courses, EDSS 572A, 572B and 572C (minimum "B" level performance required).  The required student teaching seminar (EDSS473) is held during the student teaching term by each single subject program area.  Seminars meet regularly at CSULB. Intern student teachers must submit their mid-term and final evaluations from both their University Supervisor and site support teacher to the Single Subject Credential Office in order to be recommended for a credential.

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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.

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Last update: 4/1/09