Requirements for Approval to Student Teach

The Office of Field Experiences and Partnerships coordinates student teaching assignments. Students are required to submit an application to student teach to the Office of Field Experiences and Partnerships via Tk20.

The student teaching semester is the capstone experience of the teacher preparation program. During this semester, beginning educators have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate theory in practice, reflective and deliberate decision making, and pedagogical skill as reflected in the Beginning Educator Outcomes as each student teacher forms a unique, professional teacher identity.

In order to ensure that we meet our commitment to our public school partners, as well as maintain our NCATE accreditation, it is essential that all students demonstrate professional dispositions.

All students who wish to apply for a student teaching placement must satisfactorily complete ALL requirements listed below as related to their specific major. Failure to meet these requirements in a timely manner will prohibit student teaching eligibility.

1. Fall student teaching candidates must satisfy all TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM ADMISSION CRITERIA no later than May 15. Spring student teaching candidates must satisfy all TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM ADMISSION CRITERIA no later than August 15.
2. Have met all requirements for teacher candidacy admission as required by the major department in education.
3. Possess health, personal characteristics, and professional dispositions considered essential for successful teaching.
4. Must meet specific departmental requirements for credit totals.
5. Have successfully completed prerequisite courses in education and have NO incomplete grades.
6. Must have earned a “C” or better in all major classes (as specified by the department).
7. Have a minimum cumulative quality point average of 2.8.
8. Have the minimum QPA for the major as established by the major department.
9. Provide evidence of a current negative test for tuberculosis (within the last three months prior to the start of student teaching).
10. For K-12 programs, students must have passing scores for PDE-approved basic skills assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics. 
11. Have current ACT 34, ACT 151, and Act 114 (FBI) clearances (and other clearances as required by PDE and school districts). Current clearances are needed for the entire semester of student teaching.
12. Must enroll in the department’s required courses for student teaching during the registration period.
13. Must have current Student PSEA Liability Insurance and insurance for any other organization as determined by the major department.

*In order to obtain Pennsylvania certification, candidates must pass the Praxis II or Pearson Specialty Area Tests that are required for the specific area of certification.

Pennsylvania law, Chapter 354 requires a minimum 2.8 cumulative quality point average to be eligible for Pennsylvania certification.