• Q:  When must I apply to student teach?
• A:  You must apply to student teach in December of your junior year. You must submit your application for student teaching in February, if you plan to student teach in the following fall or spring semester.

• Q:  I will be registered for only nine credits during student teaching.  In order to maintain my financial aid and my health insurance, I need to be a full-time student, which is twelve credits.  Since we are strongly encouraged not to take additional courses during student teaching, what can I do?
• A:  You will need to contact the Director of Clinical Studies.  The Director will write a letter for you indicating that your enrollment in student teaching is considered to be full-time.

• Q:  The result of my Tuberculin test was positive.  Does this mean that I cannot participate in clinical experiences in the schools?
• A:  You can participate in clinical experiences in the schools, however, you will need to get documentation from your health care provider indicating that while you have a positive Tuberculin test, you do not have an active case of the disease.

• Q:  I’m in a wedding during student teaching.  In order to attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, I need to be absent from student teaching on Thursday and Friday.  Can I be absent from student teaching?
• A:  The student teacher has the same responsibilities for reporting and attending, as does any employed teacher.  Only absences due to illness or emergency will be excused.    All absences from student teaching (including excused absences in excess of two days) must be made up prior to the final transition week of the experience.  Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the program coordinator, supervisor and cooperating teacher.

• Q:  What happens if I live in University housing and my school starts before the University begins?
• A:  You will need to contact the Director of Clinical Studies by mid-July.  The Director will send a list to Residence Life indicating the names of students who will need an early check-in

• Q:  I have a job after school.  Will student teaching interfere with my job?
• A:  Student teaching should be your first priority.  Student teachers are strongly encouraged not to take other courses or try to work during student teaching.  Student teaching is a full-time job.   Students who feel they absolutely must work should limit employment to weekends (Friday nights, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons) and holidays. Keep in mind that in addition to being prepared for each day, you will need to attend faculty meetings and other after-school or evening meetings required of the regular staff.

• Q:  I know a teacher who said that she would love to have me as a student teacher.  Can I be assigned to her for student teaching?
• A:  Student teachers are not allowed to initiate or make their own placements.   While you may indicate to your student teaching coordinator/program coordinator a preference for placement, it is your coordinator's responsibility to utilize his/her knowledge and experience to obtain an appropriate placement for you.

• Q:  Can student teachers be substitute teachers?
• A:  Occasionally it is permissible in the absence of his/her cooperating teacher for a short period of time (part or all of one or two school days), for the student teacher to assume responsibility for his/her cooperating teacher(s) on the condition that the school principal, the university supervisor, the cooperating teacher(s) and the student teacher discuss and agree to the arrangement.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A STUDENT TEACHER BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE IN A CLASS OTHER THAN THAT TO WHICH S/HE HAS BEEN ASSIGNED.  In the case of all situations where student teachers are being used as substitutes, the district will assume liability.
  Student teachers are teachers in training and must not be used as substitute teachers on a regular basis.  In addition, they are receiving university credit for their work and are not to receive pay as substitute teachers.

• Q:  I am scheduled to begin student teaching in two weeks, but I was just offered a teaching position.  Can I accept the job and have that count as my student teaching?
• A:  All students who wish to receive university credit for student teaching must register for the course and complete the experience under the supervision of a cooperating teacher in the classroom and a university supervisor.  Students who opt to accept teaching positions prior to student teaching cannot receive university credit for student teaching for this experience.

• Q:  Do I need CPR?
• A:  CPR is a requirement for students who are completing the approved program in Elementary Teacher Education (ETE).  It is a prerequisite for student teaching for students in the ETE program. Training is offered by both the University and the American Red Cross at different times throughout the year.