Student Teaching - Frequently Asked Questions

1. When are applications due?
2. What must be included in the application?
3. What are the grade requirements to student teach?
4. What will happen if I receive a grade less than a “C” in a professional program course?
5. What will happen if I have an incomplete on my transcript?
6. Why do I need to write an essay as part of the application process?
7. How long after I turn in my application will I receive my placement?
8. Can I arrange my own student teaching placement?
9. How far will I need to travel to my placement?
10. What do I do when I receive my student teaching assignment?
11. How do I register for student teaching?
12. Who can I contact if I have questions about my placement?

When are applications due?

Applications are due to the OFE no later than October 1st and March 1st. The application must be submitted in person. Each application is reviewed by an OFE staff member. PLEASE NOTE: You must make an appointment to submit your application. Visit the OFE, Barnard 334, to make an appointment.

Students in ALL-LEVEL programs (Art, Music, PE) are required to turn their applications in no later than February 15th for the fall semester and September 15th for the spring semester.

What must be included in the application?

A complete student teaching application includes:

* The application (found online)
* A copy of up-to-date CCSU transcripts.
* Unofficial transcripts of other ins
* Resume.
* Two essays related to teaching and learning.
* Letter of acceptance to the professional program.
* Be sure to bring four copies of the information listed above when turning your application in.

What are the grade requirements to student teach?

Students must maintain a 2.7 GPA. Students are also expected to earn a “C” or better in all professional program courses as well as meet specific program GPA standards.

What will happen if I receive a grade less than a “C” in a professional program course?

The grade earned in any Professional Program course, or any course required by the respective major field of study, must be a C or better. Transcripts are checked at the end of the semester before student teaching. If a grade of C– or lower is posted, the OFE will cancel the placement seven days after the grade posting period closes. The prospective student teacher may re-apply when a satisfactory grade is earned in the course

What will happen if I have an incomplete on my transcript?

* Applying to student teach

Students who hold incompletes in course work may apply to student teach. However, the application will not be sent to districts until all incompletes have been awarded final grades. You will have two weeks after the application deadline to notify the office that all work has been completed and a final grade has been awarded. Failure to do this will result in the application being withdrawn by the OFE and the student will need to re-apply for the subsequent semester. Work must be given to the instructor in a timely manner to allow adequate time for review of the work.

* Incomplete grades posted prior to the semester of student teaching

Any incompletes posted prior to the semester of student teaching must be completed two weeks before the first day of student teaching. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of the placement by the OFE; the student will need to re-apply for the subsequent semester.

Acceptable documentation may include an e-mail from the instructor or a note on University letterhead. The grade earned must meet all program requirements. All questions regarding the above should be directed to Holly Hollander.

Why do I need to write an essay as part of the application process?

Teachers and principals are interested in how well you communicate your thinking. One effective way to demonstrate this ability is through your writing. It is important that each essay be in final form. It is beneficial to have someone proofread the essays and application before it is submitted.

How long after I turn in my application will I receive my placement?

The OFE works with district facilitators. Some are quick to respond while others take a longer time. Therefore, the time frame in which you are informed about your placement varies. Please trust that we are working on the best placement for you.

Can I arrange my own student teaching placement?

No. We must work with district facilitators. Students are not allowed to set-up their own placements. The OFE is responsible for working with districts to create placements.

How far will I need to travel to my placement?

Although we take where you live during your student teaching semester into consideration, you may be required to commute a longer distance than you prefer. This is beyond our control as we look for quality placements.

What do I do when I receive my student teaching assignment?

Once your placement has been secured, you will be notified by the OFE. You are then asked to call the cooperating teacher or principal to arrange an interview. Final placements are contingent on a successful interview.

How do I register for student teaching?

You register for student teaching in the usual way using the Banner system. Student teaching may not be repeated without permission of the Director of the OFE as well as the chairs of the student's major departments and teacher education. If you have any questions, contact your advisor.

Who can I contact if I have questions about my placement?

Feel free to contact Holly Hollander (832-2144) or Sue Ford (832-2067)