Student Teaching and Field Experience
Where Preparation and Opportunity Meet
Each semester, the Office of Clinical Experiences works to secure hundreds of quality field experience and student teaching positions for our education students. Beyond simply meeting the requirements for graduation and licensure, your placement will expand your knowledge of content and innovative teaching methods. When you transition from recent graduate to new educator, you’ll do so with the skills and confidence needed to enrich the minds of students across the state.
Our office works closely with over 100 schools throughout Minnesota. Our partnerships allow our staff to make placements that match your teaching preferences and desired classroom environment.
Student Teaching Eligibility
As a student teaching applicant, you must:
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Meet all program and professional education requirements
- Provide proof of liability insurance (see FAQs)
- Sign a student teaching contract
- Successfully pass a criminal background check as required by the host district
- Complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in residence at St. Cloud State University prior to student teaching
- Agree to and follow the expectations outlined in the appropriate Student Teaching Handbook
As part of admission to student teaching, the College of Education and Learning Design reserves the right to consider personal qualities, general health, scholastic achievement, conduct, or other standards related to effective teaching.
Teacher Candidate Process
Before you begin student teaching, you’ll need to complete 150–300 hours of field experience. During this time, you’ll build familiarity with the classroom environment, observe students and teaching methods, and microteach to gain first-hand experience.
In the 16 weeks of student teaching that follow, you’ll work alongside your supervising educator to put your skills to the test.
Teacher Candidate Applications
Apply for a placement during the semester before you intend to student teach using InPlace, an online tool that helps coordinate clinical experiences. From there, our student teaching coordinators will review your credentials, send out your application, and, once approved, look for a placement where you’ll thrive.
The Office of Clinical Experiences takes several things into consideration when placing student teachers:
- Teacher candidate preferences
- Proximity to home location
- Transportation accommodations
- Disability accommodations
- Licensure scope
- Conflicts of interest (Ex. schools where parents work or siblings attend)
Receiving Your Student Teaching Placement
During the last week of the semester, student teaching placements will be released through InPlace. Candidates will need to complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and student teaching orientation before they can enter their classroom.
Looking for tips on how to make a good impression on your cooperating teacher and new students? The Office of Clinical Experiences is available to help.
Requirements During Your Student Teaching Placement
The student teacher must:
- Meet Teacher Performance Assessment ( EdTPA ) requirements as mandated by the state of Minnesota
- Be familiar with and follow the expectations outlined in the Student Teaching Handbook (see below)
Teacher Candidate Resources
Child and Family Studies
- Cooperating Teachers Student Teaching Handbook (PDF) [Fall 2017]
- Teacher Candidate Student Teaching Handbook (PDF) [Fall 2017]
- Unit Wide Absence Policy (PDF) [Spring 2022]
Elementary Education
Special Education
- Student Teaching Handbook (PDF) [2020-21]
- Cooperating Teacher Handbook (PDF) [2017-18]
- Unit Wide Absence Policy (PDF) [Spring 2022]
Secondary Education
- Student Teaching Handbook (PDF) [Fall2017]
- Unit Wide Absence Policy (PDF) [Spring 2022]
Alternative Opportunities
Teacher Candidate and Field Experience FAQs
When and Where Do I Apply for Student Teaching?
Do I Have to Be Admitted to the Major Before I Apply to Student Teach?
What Additional Costs Will I Have as a Part of My Teacher Preparation Program?
What Accommodations Are Available for Student Teaching?
Responsibilities of Involved Parties
Teacher Candidate
- Inform Student Accessibility Services of the intent to participate in field experience or student teaching
- Inform the OCE if accommodations are needed due to a disability
- Ensure a personal support system is in place for field experience or student teaching if accommodations are needed
- When beginning your placement, discuss accommodation needs with the cooperating teacher and others as appropriate
Department
- Advisors and course instructors should refer students to Student Accessibility Services for consultation
- Be upfront about competency expectations in the field
- Discuss with students how they will accomplish these competencies
Student Accessibility Services
- Ask students to inform the OCE about accommodations needed
- Assist in self-advocacy and self-disclosure
- Create a form for students that defines field competency and states what accommodations are needed
- Send the form to the student’s course instructor or university supervisor, as well as the OCE
Office of Clinical Experience (OCE)
- Inform Student Accessibility Services that the student is requesting accommodations
- Inform the school site of the requested accommodations after receiving written permission from the teacher candidate
- Inform the university supervisor as the faculty of record
- Keep Student Accessibility Services up to date on all field experience and student teaching course numbers
Download: Accommodations for Field Experience and Student Teaching (PDF)
What are the Requirements for CPR/First Aid Certification, and Where Can I Get Certified?
CPR and First Aid requirements are found in the teacher candidate application. All Child and Family Studies majors and Health and PE (HPE) majors must be certified in CPR and First Aid to student teach. HPE students also need to complete a Water Safety Instruction course.
You can find CPR and first aid classes through Campus Recreation, the Red Cross, community education programs, or a hospital.
How Do I Obtain Professional Liability Insurance?
Proof of professional liability insurance must be provided to the Office of Clinical Experiences in one of two ways:
Apply online here. Forward the confirmation page via email to the OCE, or give the OCE a copy of your application to Education Minnesota and the check made out to them.
OR
Provide a copy of your homeowner’s policy with professional liability coverage highlighted.