Teacher Education Center

Clinical Experiences and Certification Processes (CECP)

Student Teaching Information in the Traditional Education Program for C&I Majors

This information is exclusive to Elementary Education (ELED), Early Childhood (ECE), Middle Level (ML), and Elementary/Bilingual Education Majors. It is not intended for C&I Professional Development School (PDS) interns.

Application and seminar information for ELED, ECE, ML, Bilingual majors

Students in the traditional education program (not PDS) should complete the application online as you read and follow the instructions in the presentation, "Application Process Explained for ...." Use the mouse to move from page to page by clicking on each page with the cursor. Note each page can be printed for later reference by choosing File > Print > Current Page.

Application packet for student teaching in the traditional education program

The application deadline is identified in the presentation. By the announced deadline, submit the following information (in a folder or envelope) to Joyce Morlan, Coordinator, Teacher Education Center, DeGarmo 56. It should include:

  1. One Student Teaching Agreement Form (pdf), appropriately initialed, signed, and dated
  2. Three resumes, collated and unstapled [ Download sample resume (doc) ]
  3. Two Student Teaching Placement Forms (pdf). [ Download sample Student Teaching Placement Form (pdf) ]
  4. One unofficial transcript(s) or Academic Progress Report (107 Moulton)
  5. Three signed cover letters [ Download sample cover letter (doc) ]

Alternative Student Teaching Options

Alternative sites for student teaching in the traditional education program (not PDS) are available to ECE, ELED, and ML majors. These include Eastbourne, England (ECE and ELED only) and San Antonio, Texas (ECE, ELED, and ML majors).

Student Teaching success is key to getting hired - consider this Action Plan to Prepare to do your best and to get ready for your job search:

  • Before student teaching begins, organize/collect documents (resume and reference letters) for your credential file
  • Gear up to put forth your maximum effort: adjust work and play schedules accordingly
  • Make sure to anticipate meetings and know your deadlines
  • Learn the expectations of your coop(s) and supervisor(s) and plan to meet/exceed them!
  • Be proactive in solving any conflicts or misunderstandings in your placement very early
  • Interact constructively with parents, school administrators, teachers, and other staff members
  • Build your LiveText portfolio throughout student teaching
  • Make sure copies of your final evaluations are forwarded to the Career Center if you elect to establish an "official" credential file.  NOTE that this Career Center service is nor optional.  Many, but not all districts, will now accept copies of references/evaluations directely from job applicants, and not require "official" copies.  Consult Career Center Web pages for more commentary regarding credential files. 

Career Center services especially for Teacher Education majors

The Illinois State University Career Center will provide assistance as you begin your job search.  Staff members are available to help you prepare/refine your job-search resume and assist in getting ready for interviews, as well as connecting you to employers through job fairs.  There are special workshops and resume critique sessions for Education majors prior to ISU fairs and an array of Web sites (including the eRecruiting database of jobs) to assist ISU students.

May grads should plan to get started on their job search in the weeks leading up to the start of student teaching.  December grads should wait no later than Fall Educator's Job Fair (first week of November) for their job search kickoff.

Footnote:  all ISU alumni are most welcome to use Career Center services...for a lifetime!