General Information
Clinical teaching (referred to as student teaching) is usually seen as the culmination of your education—that final hurdle to jump before going out into the world to begin your professional career. In reality, student teaching is only another step in your educational process; you will continue to learn, either formally in further coursework or informally every day of your teaching career. Regardless, it is one of the most rewarding experiences in your professional development. It will provide you with challenging opportunities to turn college-based theory into classroom-based practice.
The cooperating teacher, principal, Field supervisor, and director of clinical experiences form a supportive team designed to provide you with the fullest opportunity possible for clarifying ideas and skills in a practical setting. This practical setting will allow you to test and modify teaching strategies already acquired and to learn new ones from the professionals participating in the field experience.
TEA Criminal History and Background Check
- A criminal background check including fingerprinting will be performed by the Texas Education Agency before you will be allowed to certify or gain employment on a non-teacher certificate. TAC 227.1(b)(1)(2).
- Items on a candidate’s criminal history report may render the candidate ineligible for certification.
- Candidates may request a preliminary TEA background check for an evaluation of the criminal history.
- Please note that applicants may request a preliminary TEA background check for an opinion of charge prior to starting a program ( https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/preliminary-criminal-history-evaluation-faqs)
Applying for Clinical/Student Teaching
To apply for student teaching, apply through the Office of Teacher Preparation and Advising, visit Old Main, Room 415 or call 806-651-2668. There are prerequisites and an application deadline for student teaching due to the placement process with the school districts.
- Clinical Teaching Application/Information ( Please download the application from the Education Majors Group)
- Fall Semester Student Teaching request - application deadline April 1st
- Spring Semester Student Teaching request - application deadline October 1st
- Dr. Russell F. Miller, Director of Educator Preparation/Certification Officer
- Gilbert Antunez, Director, Field Experience and Placements
- Juleigha Hugg, Administrative Assistant, Office of Teacher Preparation and Advising
Calendar
Pre-requisites for Clinical Teaching
Pre-requisites for Clinical Teaching can be located in the Methods Handbook. WT candidates must attend the mandatory methods orientation meeting to receive a methods placement for Fall 2019.
Clinical Teaching
August Experience
All Students who plan to Student Teach in Spring 2020 must complete the August Experience. TEA mandates that anyone completing their clinical teaching in a Spring semester must engage in an August Experience to be able to see the first weeks of school, which TEA defines as the first two weeks that students attend.
