General Information
Clinical teaching is a culminating experience in the West Texas A&M University Educator Preparation Program (EPP). It provides teacher candidates with the opportunity to apply knowledge, instructional strategies, and classroom management skills developed throughout their coursework in an authentic classroom setting.
During clinical teaching, candidates work collaboratively with a cooperating teacher, campus administrators, and a WTAMU field supervisor. Together, these professionals provide mentorship, guidance, and feedback to support candidates as they transition into the teaching profession.
The goal of clinical teaching is to prepare candidates to become confident, effective, and Day-One Ready educators.
TEA Criminal History and Background Check
- The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, as part of the educator certification process, as applicable under Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §227.1.
- Certain criminal history records may affect a candidate's eligibility for educator certification.
- Candidates with concerns regarding their criminal history are encouraged to request a Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation from TEA before beginning an educator preparation program.
- For additional information, visit the TEA Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation FAQs .
Applying for Clinical Teaching
Candidates planning to complete clinical teaching must submit a Clinical Teaching Application through the WTAMU Office of Educator Preparation.
Clinical teaching placements require coordination with partnering school districts. Therefore, candidates must meet all program prerequisites and submit their applications by the established deadlines.
Clinical Teaching Application Deadlines
Fall Semester Clinical Teaching
First Friday in May
Spring Semester Clinical Teaching
First Friday in November
Clinical Teaching Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:
- Be officially admitted to the WTAMU Educator Preparation Program.
- Complete all required prerequisite coursework and meet program eligibility requirements.
- Earn a passing score on the required TExES content examination(s) for their certification area.
- Complete all additional requirements established by the Office of Educator Preparation.
- Adhere to the Educators' Code of Ethics (19 Texas Administrative Code §247.2).
Candidates should contact the Office of Educator Preparation for current application instructions and required documentation.
Office of Educator Preparation Contact Information
Dr. Crystal Hughes
Executive Director of Educator Preparation
Phone: 806-651-2605
Email: chughes@wtamu.edu
Mr. Ray Rigoni
Certification Support Specialist
Phone: 806-651-2642
Email: rrigoni@wtamu.edu
Mr. Allan Baltazar
Lead Certification Officer
Phone: 806-651-2668
Email: abaltazar@wtamu.edu
West Texas A&M University
Office of Educator Preparation
Old Main, Room 415
Canyon, Texas
