Student Teaching

Candidates are eligible to student teach if they have (a) achieved full-admission status to teacher education; (b) met by having earned final passing grades – all the professional preparation requirements; (c) earned at least 18 credits prior to the student teaching semester; (d) maintained the Pennsylvania- mandated GPA; (e) provided evidence of having taken PRAXIS II specialty test. Candidate must have passing scores in order to apply for certification but does not need passing score to graduate. Student teaching is typically scheduled for a student’s final semester at the university.

****Candidates MUST file an application for student teaching. Application for student teaching must be made approximately one year prior to student teaching. Candidates are to attend the application meeting. Announcements of this meeting are (1) sent in an email from the Office of Clinical Experiences, (2) posted in Department hallways, and (3) posted on the Office of Clinical Experiences and Candidate Services webpage.

Coordinators of each program, in conjunction with the Department Chairperson, makes decisions concerning approval for student teaching. Candidates may not make individual agreements with schools or teachers about student teaching placements.

Policies Applicable to Student Teaching

  1. Candidates who fail to meet the minimum cumulative GPA necessary for student teaching must take courses under the guidance of their advisor to achieve the required GPA.
  2. All WCU Secondary Candidates must complete the full twelve credits of student- teaching experience (although the 12 credits may be split between two certification areas IF approved by the Department Chairperson).
  3. No additional coursework can be taken during student teaching.