Classroom Observation Requirement

• 30 hours of classroom observation is required as part of the program curriculum
• This observation time is designed to allow a student the opportunity to observe a teacher in action
• Students will write a reflection on their observations
• The process for securing a classroom observation varies by district. In most cases, a student will select a public K-12 district in their area and follow that district’s procedure to be allowed into a school and observe a teacher in action.
• If a student is already in a school teaching on an emergency certification, he or she can observe another teacher in their same school during his or her planning period to complete the observation hours required

Internship or Clinical Teaching Experience Requirement

Students will take the internship course twice (2 x 16-week courses) – each is a semester of teaching under the guidance of a university professor. The professor will provide mentoring and supervision during the semester. They will take the two courses back-to-back at the end of their degree program.

We have a robust field supervision model with coaching support and ongoing communication with teachers throughout this process.

Assignments embedded in internship courses are very student focused. The goal is to allow candidates to gain an understanding of how they are perceived by students they are actively teaching and get feedback on improving how they can be more effective in the classroom.

Clinical Teaching Experience

• Students will complete a 14-week session in a classroom to work alongside a lead teacher who acts as a mentor throughout the duration of your Clinical Teaching Experience
• Clinical teachers are not employed by the district where they teach and do not usually receive a salary or benefits, nor do they require intern or probationary certificates.
• Note: Before applying for Clinical Teaching…
  • Students must take the required content area and EC-12 PPR Certify Teacher exam.
  • Students must pass the required content area and EC-12 PPR TExES state exam.

Internship Experience

• Students will complete a 1-school year (10 months/180 days) internship for credit
• Candidates’ first year of teaching will meet the internship requirement.
• As an intern, students will be placed in a classroom as a full-time, paid teacher intern and will be considered the teacher of record for the classroom.
• As an intern, students will work under a special internship teaching license
• Note: Before issuance on an Intern/Probationary Certificate…
  • Students must take the required content area and EC-12 PPR Certify Teacher exam.
  • Students must pass the required content area and EC-12 PPR TExES state exam.