Student Teaching

Student Teaching experiences in School District U-46 are to support the development of pre-service teachers as they acquire the knowledge, skills, and values appropriate for the teaching profession. The focus of the Student Teaching Program is on enhancing the professional practice of the future educators while at the same time improving student learning in the classrooms.

Student Teacher talks to students while holding a clipboard

Student Teacher works one-on-one with student

Roles & Responsibilities

The basic role of the student teacher is to demonstrate ability in classroom teaching under the direction of the cooperating teacher and the guidance of the university/college supervisor. This role requires contributing constructively to the school and enhancing the continuing growth and development of students. Student teaching must be completed at the grade levels and the areas of specialization for which the student teacher wishes to receive certification from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The length of experience is determined by each college or university; dates are agreed upon between the School District and the university/college.

The student teacher will:

Take on the cooperating teacher's class load as well as assist with other duties carried out during regular school hours (lunchroom duty, hallway/bus supervision, etc.)in accordance with their university/college;
Assume the responsibilities of the cooperating teacher, including but not limited to record-keeping, planning, instruction, assessment, displays, and day-to-day classroom management;
Become acquainted with the roles of personnel within the school affecting the classroom and the school decision-making process;
Attend school events, parent-teacher conferences, faculty meetings, and workshops as approved by the cooperating teacher, building administrator, and university/college and;
Use sound judgment and demonstrate professionalism.

Because student teachers are not certified, they cannot be used as a substitute teacher without a short-term substitute license and college approval. Although student teachers are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities in which the cooperating teacher is involved, these extracurricular activities are optional.

Student Teacher points out work to students at their desks

Student Teacher hands young student a block toy

Student Teacher reviewing work with two students

Expectations

Student teachers are expected to be at school every day when school is in session. Any exceptions should be worked out with the university/college supervisor and cooperating teacher. Student teachers follow the school calendar of District U-46 and are entitled to all holidays and vacations which occur during student teaching. If a student teacher needs to miss a day because of illness or an emergency, he or she should contact the cooperating teacher and university/college supervisor as soon as possible. In accordance with university/college guidelines, the supervisor will decide if this time needs to be made up.

Student teachers are expected to maintain a professional attitude with regard to all activities undertaken during their placement. Particular care should be taken with the rights of privacy of children and parents. In the event a student teacher is unsure of proper procedures to be followed in a given situation, he or she should first consult with the cooperating teacher. If the cooperating teacher is unavailable, the student should consult with appropriate administrative personnel.

Student teachers should always strive to make a positive impression on colleagues and work collaboratively with administrators, students, and parents. In general, student teachers should wear attire that presents them as professionals. A good rule of thumb to follow is to wear clothes considered "business casual".

A student teacher who demonstrates unethical or unprofessional behavior or fails to meet the pre-established requirements, can be terminated from his/her placement by the cooperating school or university. A representative from the cooperating school and the college/university will make this decision.

Background Check Procedures

The district requires student teaching candidates to have a background check completed. You will receive information from Human Resources on how to meet this requirement. Human Resources must have a copy of the results before your clinical/student teaching experience begins. You will not be allowed in the building when children are present without a cleared background check. Background check information will come from HRBCF@u-46.org to the email address you provided on your placement form.

There is a $40 fee to get fingerprinted (exact cash preferred, money orders, and checks also accepted, ATM available). Credit cards NOT accepted.

Placement

Cooperating Teachers

A cooperating teacher application is required of all certified staff who will serve as Cooperating Teachers to a Student Teacher

Cooperating Teacher Application

Roles and Responsibilities and Expectations of the Cooperating Teacher

School District U-46 cooperating teachers are high-quality educators with usually at least four years of teaching experience. They are fully certified in the areas they teach and are committed to the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards. Through their work, they demonstrate an understanding of teaching, embracing equity and cultural competence, and mentoring new teachers.

Cooperating teachers provide guidance about planning and preparations, instruction, classroom environment, and professional responsibilities in keeping with the expectations of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards cooperating teachers demonstrate the following core propositions:

Be committed to students and their learning.
Know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
Be responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
Think systemically about their practice and learn from experience.
Be members of learning communities.

Generally, cooperating teachers have the following responsibilities and expectations:

Prepare the students to accept the student teachers as the cooperating teacher's colleague (prepare a workspace prior to their arrival);
Familiarize the student teacher with the classroom, facilities, the staff, and the policies of the school through activities that include, but are not limited to, a tour of the building, print and technology resources, instruction materials, parent handbook, student tardy, and attendance policies, emergency regulations and procedures, grading procedures, and school calendar;
Present to student teachers an outline of the long-range goals and the organization of the classroom.
Demonstrate effective teaching/learning practices; assist the student teacher in analyzing and understanding why these are effective;
Facilitate independence and self-confidence by taking an inconspicuous position in the room while the student teacher is in charge. The student teacher should be allowed to handle independently all but the most awkward or dangerous situations. Most questions raised by students should be directed to the student teacher while he or she is in charge.
Share supplemental information and correct flagrant errors ina supportive and tactful manner.
Communicate daily with the student teacher, providing feedback on strengths and weaknesses.
Include the student teacher in non-teaching functions such as parent-teacher conferences, in-service activities, staff meetings.
Confer with the university/college supervisor and/or principal regarding progress and problems. Any serious problems should be brought to the attention of the university/college supervisor immediately.
Complete formal evaluations using the university/college's forms.
Communicate frequently with the university/college supervisor to support and evaluate the student teacher immediately.

Testimonial Videos

Learn more about our student teachers by watching our student teacher testimonial videos.

Student Teacher - Lauren

Student Teacher - Devin

Student Teacher - Jullya

Student Teacher - Madyson

Student Teacher - Steven

Student Teacher - Melina

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In This Section

Student Teaching

Roles & Responsibilities

Expectations

Background Check Procedures

Placement

Cooperating Teachers

Cooperating Teachers

Roles and Responsibilities and Expectations of the Cooperating Teacher

Testimonial Videos

Higher Ed Partners

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