Classroom teachers unanimously agree that student teaching is the single most important undergraduate experience. It provides opportunities for hands-on practice in testing theoretical concepts in the real life settings of school classrooms; it enables the novice to comfortably and gradually assume all the roles and responsibilities of a fully certified teacher. Student teaching is a challenge demanding the very highest levels of moral, personal and professional commitment of all those who choose to serve.
Today, perhaps more than any time in history, America depends on an expertly trained teaching force to meet the educational needs of an ever-growing, dynamic, diverse population. Citizens of tomorrow must learn to live and work productively in a new, emerging age of change and technology. Student teaching assumes a role in this process; its mission, as part of the overall Teacher Education Program, is to improve the quality of instruction in the classrooms of Nebraska, the region and the nation.
Field experiences are one key component of the UNK teacher education program. Most pre-student teaching and student teacher field experiences take place in the Prek-12 schools that are members of UNK Network of Partner Schools. The assessment of student teachers is performance-based and linked to the 10 Desired Outcomes for Graduates. The student teaching experience includes a reflective component. The format includes face-to-face (at UNK and/or other selected sites) and distance-based (web or satellite) events.
During student teaching, the student spends the entire school day for an entire semester in the school system selected, and receives 14-17 college credits. Depending on endorsements, some student teachers will be required to spend 20 weeks student teaching. Student teaching is graded credit/no credit.
Teaching candidates planning to student teach in the fall semester should apply for student teaching by the first Tuesday in February. Teaching candidates planning to student teach in the spring semester should apply by the first Tuesday in September. The first step, participation in a Student Teaching Instructional Session, is mandatory. This session will outline the application and placement process. A number of these sessions will be scheduled throughout the fall and spring semesters. Students can contact the KASE Office to request a schedule for the Instructional Sessions.
All UNK student teachers under this program are obligated and pledge themselves to observe local rules and regulations. Any student teacher may be removed at any time upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools or his designated representative. Students must follow the rules and regulations outlined in the College of Education's Student Teaching Handbook.
Teaching candidates must meet all of the following requirements for admission to student teaching:
1. Admittance to teacher education
2. An overall UNK grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
3. A grade of “C” (2.0 GPA) or higher in TE 204 and TE 206.
4. Satisfactory performance on the Individual Lesson Plan Case Study Common Assessment and a “C” or better in the course delivering the Common Assessment. Students whose performance is unsatisfactorily will receive an incomplete in the course that delivers the assessment. The course instructor will provide a remediation plan. The following courses will be responsible for the Individual Lesson Plan Case Study:
Secondary and K-12 Endorsement Programs TE 319
Middle Level Endorsement Program TE 472
Early Childhood Unified, Elementary, Special Education TE 312
5. Satisfactory performance in all pre-student teaching field experiences. The Pre-student Teaching Field Experiences Assessment Rubric will document performance. The Rubric includes an assessment of teaching dispositions. All education majors will complete a minimum of two credit hours of pre-student teaching field experiences. Students who perform unsatisfactorily will receive an incomplete in the field experience. The supervisor for the field experience will provide a remediation plan. The following field experiences will be reviewed for Admission to Student Teaching:
Early Childhood Unified TE 317, TE 345
Elementary Education TE 317, TE 354
Special Education K-6 TE 317, TE 464
Special Education 7-12 TE 464, TE 464
Secondary 7-12 Programs TE 320, TE 320
Physical Education Endorsement TE 471 (2 credit hours)
Music Education TE 320, Music 469
Art Education TE 320, Art 371
Communication Disorders TE 320, CDIS 312
Special Education 7-12 TE 318
* In addition to the five criteria noted above, teaching candidates should work closely with their academic advisor(s) to identify and meet any program-specific requirements for admission to student teaching.
Application and Approval Procedures:
- Questions about any facet of student teaching should be directed to the Director for Field Experiences. The Director’s office is located in the Knowledge and Assistance for Students in Education Office (KASE). The KASE Office is located in the College of Education Building C128 and the phone number is (308) 865-8937.
- The Director for Field Experiences will determine whether a student is approved or denied admission to student teaching (TE 400).
- Students denied admission student teaching (TE 400) may appeal the decision to the Teacher Education Appeals Board.