Questions about Applying for Student Teaching

• When should I apply to student teach?
• I've missed the deadline to apply for student teaching. What should I do?
• Will I need to submit official transcripts when I apply to student teach?
• Will I need to complete a criminal history check?
• Why do I need to write an essay on my application?
• Will I be interviewed for student teaching?

ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS

• When should I apply to student teach?
  If you plan to student teach during the 2009-2010 academic year, you must visit the Office of Field Experiences to sign up for an Application Workshop. Download this memo (DOC) or this memo (PDF) for details.  The Office of Field Experiences accepts applications for student teaching during the months of October and November. Upon successful electronic submission of a student teacher's application, an email will be sent to OFE, to the student, and to the student's advisor confirming that the application has been received.

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• I've missed the deadline to apply for student teaching. What should I do?
  Please ask your advisor to contact Jim Gilligan, the Student Teaching Placement Coordinator. Under certain extenuating circumstances, late applications may be accepted. You will be asked to sign a form stating that you have submitted a late application. If your application is late because of a lack of conscientiousness, because you've ignored notices, emails, or other attempts to contact you, or because of some negligence on your part, a Disposition may be filed to document the matter.

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• Will I need to submit official transcripts when I apply to student teach?
  No. You will, however, need to sign a form indicating that you grant permission to our office to request your official transcript from the Registrar. This form is a part of the regular Student Teaching Application process. Once you have signed the form, the Office of Field Experiences will request a copy of your transcript from the Registrar's office and include it with your student teaching application when it is sent to a school corporation for placement.

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• Will I need to complete a criminal history check?
  Some school corporations require a limited or full criminal history check for each student teaching candidate. If the school corporation where you are assigned to student teach requires a criminal history check (PDF), we will contact you to let you know.

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• Why do I need to write an essay on my application?
  An essay allows a prospective cooperating teacher and/or principal to learn more about you, your interests, and your reasons for wanting to become a teacher. It also allows a prospective cooperating teacher and/or principal to assess your writing skills, critical thinking skills, and thought processes. A well-written application essay can be an important factor in helping you achieve the placement you desire. Be sure to take the time that is required to write a clear, grammatically correct, well-organized, and engaging essay.

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• Will I be interviewed for student teaching?            
  Many school corporations require a personal interview to assist them in evaluating a student teaching candidate's  credentials. If the school corporation where we have sent your application requires an interview, the superintendent's office, the principal, or the prospective cooperating teacher may contact you to arrange a meeting. In some cases, the Office of Field Experiences will contact you to assist you in arranging an interview. In either case, be sure to check your email regularly and respond to all telephone messages regarding student teaching interviews.

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