Welcome to the Office of Clinical Experiences/Student Teaching!

Student-Teaching Calendar Fall 2008-Spring 2009 (updated January 31, 2008)

Student teaching is the final chapter in the teacher preparation process. It is the "final exam," if you will, the single best opportunity to evaluate all that has gone before as the teacher candidate prepares to enter his or her chosen profession. As such, it is incumbent upon the College and the Office of Clinical Experiences to find the right placement for each and every student.

The Office of Clinical Experiences located at 312 Stone Building coordinates a statewide effort utilizing placement centers in five areas around the state (see Student Teaching Handbook page 3 for listing of counties served). Each area is staffed by seasoned educators who oversee placement, provide active supervision, and act as intermediaries/counselors should problems arise.

The Office of Clinical Experiences works with teacher education programs in the University and the public school system of Florida in the organization of student teaching centers and the selection of supervising teachers for student teaching. The Office of Clinical Experiences is responsible for the final identification and screening of all students who make application for student teaching.

The Office of Clinical Experiences seeks placements that are challenging, but manageable; nurturing but not smothering; enriched by supervising teachers eager to help renew the profession by sharing their expertise with others. This Office pledges to serve the student teacher with the best possible placement, with supportive supervision, and with the realization that this experience will help re-affirm, in some fashion, their choice of profession.

The faculty and staff of the Office of Clinical Experiences, 312 Stone Building (STB) are here to help you through the application process, support you during this valuable educational experience and celebrate with you as you become a teacher.

Preparing For Student Teaching

Information on these website pages is provided to clarify the multiple tasks needed before placement in your student teaching assignment. Time spent reading and following the directions is an excellent investment in a smooth start to your internship.

Information regarding activities after you have been placed will be furnished at the required orientation held on campus on the fourth Thursday of September and February. You must attend this meeting the semester before you intern.

The frequently asked question section below might provide answers to some of your questions. If you have any other questions or need clarification on any issue please contact the Office of Clinical Experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for student teaching?

Application packets are available on line at http://www.coe.fsu.edu/student_teaching/stforms.html

When do I apply for Student Teaching?

First, check with your department and have your advisor compare course requirements with your SASS report. Be sure to complete (or be enrolled in) all prerequisite courses.

Applications must be turned in early in the semester before your intern. Check 312 STB for specific dates, but the due date is usually in the second or third week of the semester before you student teach.

An application for student teaching must be submitted to the Office of Clinical Experiences (312 Stone) according to the following schedule:

Spring semester student teachers -- Third Week in September
Fall semester student teachers -- Second Week in February
Summer term student teachers -- First Monday in April (restricted)

Where will I be placed during my student teaching? When will I be told?

When you receive your student teaching contract, it will indicate the date your student teaching will begin, the school where you will be student teaching, and the names of your cooperating teacher, faculty contact person and area coordinator. If you do not receive your contract by mail 2 weeks before the end of the semester, contact your department. If your department does not have any information, contact the Office of Clinical Experiences, 312 Stone Bldg.

What counties in Florida are accepted for student teaching?

Area I - Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor Wakulla;
Area II - Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Jackson, Gulf, Liberty, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington;
Area III - Brevard, Orange, Seminole, Volusia;
Area IV - Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Sarasota;
Area IV - Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach.

How can I appeal for a county not on the accepted list?

You must come to the Office of Clinical Experiences (312 STB) and pick up an appeals form. Complete the form with required signatures, and return it NO LATER THAN the Tuesday before the appeals meeting. The exact date of the appeals committee meeting will be announced at the orientation.

When is the deadline for appeals?

Appeals must be submitted the Tuesday before the Appeals committee meets. Check with the Office of Clinical Experiences (312 Stone) for the exact date of the Appeals Committee Meeting at the beginning of the semester. All meetings begin at 1:30 pm EST in 312 Stone Bldg.

How many times is my university supervisor supposed to visit me?

Typically, 3-4 visits are scheduled during the course of your student teaching experience. However, in difficult cases, there may be more than four visits.

How can I get a copy of my Final Student Teaching Evaluation?

You will receive a copy of your Final Student Teaching Evaluation from your supervising teacher at the end of your student teaching.

All student teachers are strongly encouraged to establish a Credentials File at the Career Placement Services Office (www.career.fsu.edu). We recommend you begin this process the semester before your student teaching. You can then ask your cooperating teacher and university supervisor to write letters of recommendation to place in your file. Contact the Career Placement Services at 850/644-6431 for further information.

Will my Florida certification be accepted in another state?

A teacher, vocational educator, or support professional who is fully trained or licensed in one of 36 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, that belong to the Interstate Certification Compact MAY be issued a license in other states. Please check with the appropriate certification offices to clarify any additional requirements, limitation or state agreements and more information about teaching outside the State of Florida.

What tests must I pass?

You must pass the FCTE General Knowledge section or all sections of the CLAST (if passed before 2001) before being admitted to Teacher Education. By Florida Statute, no substitutions or alternate means are allowed on the CLAST for teacher certification.

Beginning with 2000-2001 freshmen, the FTCE (General Knowledge Test, Professional Skill Test, and Subject Area Tests) must be passed before a degree can be conferred. Best advice is - take the FTCE in the semester before interning, just in case you need another attempt.

Other important information:

Many districts are now requiring fingerprinting and background checks. Some require drug tests and/or health forms for student teachers. If you have any arrests, talk to the Director of Clinical Experiences about your situation. "Sealed" records are open for background checks of persons working with children. An arrest does not necessarily prevent you from teaching depending on its nature, but you must be honest in reporting it.

Fingerprinting for Observations and Student Teaching

Leon County has made it fairly easy for us to implement this new statutory requirement. Applications are available in the Office of Clinical Experiences 312 Stone. FSU students conducting observations beginning in Fall 2004 should:

Pick up a copy of a Leon County School Board Request for Background Check. These forms are available from The Office of Clinical Experiences.
Complete form.
Take completed form and picture ID to Leon County School Board 2757 West Pensacola Street (complete instructions are listed on form).
The Leon County School Board will give students directions about presenting clearance information at the schools in which they are observing.
When you apply for Student Teaching you will need to present a copy of your Leon County finger print card to the Office of Clinical Experiences. This lets OCE know you have passed one background check. Student Teachers outside Area I should ask their Area Coordinator about additional procedures for fingerprinting in other counties.

Can I arrange my own placement?

NO. Students should NOT contact schools or districts concerning placements. The College and school districts have developed procedures and protocols, often different for each district. The school districts require that all requests or inquiries about placements be handled through the Office of Clinical Experiences staff and faculty.

Are any textbooks required?

Yes, you MUST purchase a copy of the Student Teaching Handbook from FSU Union Bookstore. This hard copy is to be given to your supervising teacher when you first meet him/her. You may purchase a hard copy for yourself or use the online copy.

Admission to Teacher Education

Getting Admitted to Teacher Education:

Check with your department for department requirements and procedures. This is best done early in your junior year.
Fill out the appropriate Application for Admission to Teacher Education. These forms are available in Stone Building 108 or online:
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
Have department representatives sign your form.
Deliver application form to Stone Building 108, academic coordinator, as soon as possible, but BEFORE applying for student teaching.

Student Teaching Application Forms

General directions:

You must be admitted to Teacher Education BEFORE a student teaching application will be considered. Contact Academic Services (108 Stone) for information on admission to Teacher Education
Application forms are available below on line. You may want to open up the application, print it, review it and make sure you have all the information you need before you begin to type the application. Once you are ready, go back and type the entire application on line.
You must indicate your first and second choice of Preferred Student Locations by typing a #1 and a #2 next to the two counties you prefer. Only those counties listed may be chosen. The appeal process must be used to student teach in any other location.
When your application is completely typed, print it and make 5 copies
All copies must be signed by applicant and advisor.
Attach an original 2 ½ X 2 ½ photo on each application. Each copy must have a photo!
Turn three (3) copies of the typed application with photo to the Office of Clinical Experiences 312 STB. before the posted deadline
Give an extra typed copy with photo to your department.
Keep an extra typed copy for yourself.
All student teachers must provide a copy of your Leon County finger print card to the Office of Clinical Experiences. This lets OCE know you have passed one background check. Student Teachers outside Area I should ask their Area Coordinator about additional procedures for fingerprinting in other counties.
You must purchase one hard copy of the Student Teaching Handbook for your supervising teacher and deliver it to her/him when you meet with your supervising teacher at the school where you are going to intern. The Handbook is available at the FSU Bookstore. You may purchase a hard copy of the handbook for yourself or use the online copy.

*You must deliver a hard copy of the Student Teaching Handbook from the FSU Bookstore when you meet your supervising teacher.

Forms (MS Word templates):

Download the templates by right clicking the link and choosing "Save as ..." on PC's. Be sure the file extension is .dot, not .doc - change it before saving if necessary. These files will not work on a Macintosh. You may not be able to open these forms within your browser, so please download them first.

Student Teaching Placement Application:
If you are an Elementary Education major, complete stpaeled.dot. Otherwise, complete stpa.dot.
Student Teaching Application Data Form:
All applicants must complete stapp1.dot.
Autobiographical Statement:
All applicants must complete stutchab.dot.


	Home Mission Undergraduate support Graduate support Team members Resource links			Welcome to the Office of Clinical Experiences/Student Teaching! Student-Teaching Calendar Fall 2008-Spring 2009 (updated January 31, 2008) Student teaching is the final chapter in the teacher preparation process. It is the "final exam," if you will, the single best opportunity to evaluate all that has gone before as the teacher candidate prepares to enter his or her chosen profession. As such, it is incumbent upon the College and the Office of Clinical Experiences to find the right placement for each and every student. The Office of Clinical Experiences located at 312 Stone Building coordinates a statewide effort utilizing placement centers in five areas around the state (see Student Teaching Handbook page 3 for listing of counties served). Each area is staffed by seasoned educators who oversee placement, provide active supervision, and act as intermediaries/counselors should problems arise. The Office of Clinical Experiences works with teacher education programs in the University and the public school system of Florida in the organization of student teaching centers and the selection of supervising teachers for student teaching. The Office of Clinical Experiences is responsible for the final identification and screening of all students who make application for student teaching. The Office of Clinical Experiences seeks placements that are challenging, but manageable; nurturing but not smothering; enriched by supervising teachers eager to help renew the profession by sharing their expertise with others. This Office pledges to serve the student teacher with the best possible placement, with supportive supervision, and with the realization that this experience will help re-affirm, in some fashion, their choice of profession. The faculty and staff of the Office of Clinical Experiences, 312 Stone Building (STB) are here to help you through the application process, support you during this valuable educational experience and celebrate with you as you become a teacher. Preparing For Student Teaching Information on these website pages is provided to clarify the multiple tasks needed before placement in your student teaching assignment. Time spent reading and following the directions is an excellent investment in a smooth start to your internship. Information regarding activities after you have been placed will be furnished at the required orientation held on campus on the fourth Thursday of September and February. *You must attend this meeting the semester before you intern.* The frequently asked question section below might provide answers to some of your questions. If you have any other questions or need clarification on any issue please contact the Office of Clinical Experiences. Frequently Asked Questions How do I apply for student teaching? Application packets are available on line at http://www.coe.fsu.edu/student_teaching/stforms.html When do I apply for Student Teaching? First, check with your department and have your advisor compare course requirements with your SASS report. Be sure to complete (or be enrolled in) all prerequisite courses. Applications must be turned in early in the semester before your intern. Check 312 STB for specific dates, but the due date is usually in the second or third week of the semester before you student teach. An application for student teaching must be submitted to the Office of Clinical Experiences (312 Stone) according to the following schedule: Spring semester student teachers -- Third Week in September Fall semester student teachers -- Second Week in February Summer term student teachers -- First Monday in April (restricted) Where will I be placed during my student teaching? When will I be told? When you receive your student teaching contract, it will indicate the date your student teaching will begin, the school where you will be student teaching, and the names of your cooperating teacher, faculty contact person and area coordinator. If you do not receive your contract by mail 2 weeks before the end of the semester, contact your department. If your department does not have any information, contact the Office of Clinical Experiences, 312 Stone Bldg. What counties in Florida are accepted for student teaching? Area I - Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor Wakulla; Area II - Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Jackson, Gulf, Liberty, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington; Area III - Brevard, Orange, Seminole, Volusia; Area IV - Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Sarasota; Area IV - Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach. How can I appeal for a county not on the accepted list? You must come to the Office of Clinical Experiences (312 STB) and pick up an appeals form. Complete the form with required signatures, and return it NO LATER THAN the Tuesday before the appeals meeting. The exact date of the appeals committee meeting will be announced at the orientation. When is the deadline for appeals? Appeals must be submitted the Tuesday before the Appeals committee meets. Check with the Office of Clinical Experiences (312 Stone) for the exact date of the Appeals Committee Meeting at the beginning of the semester. All meetings begin at 1:30 pm EST in 312 Stone Bldg. How many times is my university supervisor supposed to visit me? Typically, 3-4 visits are scheduled during the course of your student teaching experience. However, in difficult cases, there may be more than four visits. How can I get a copy of my Final Student Teaching Evaluation? You will receive a copy of your Final Student Teaching Evaluation from your supervising teacher at the end of your student teaching. All student teachers are strongly encouraged to establish a Credentials File at the Career Placement Services Office (www.career.fsu.edu). We recommend you begin this process the semester before your student teaching. You can then ask your cooperating teacher and university supervisor to write letters of recommendation to place in your file. Contact the Career Placement Services at 850/644-6431 for further information. Will my Florida certification be accepted in another state? A teacher, vocational educator, or support professional who is fully trained or licensed in one of 36 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, that belong to the Interstate Certification Compact MAY be issued a license in other states. Please check with the appropriate certification offices to clarify any additional requirements, limitation or state agreements and more information about teaching outside the State of Florida. What tests must I pass? You must pass the FCTE General Knowledge section or all sections of the CLAST (if passed before 2001) before being admitted to Teacher Education. By Florida Statute, no substitutions or alternate means are allowed on the CLAST for teacher certification. *Beginning with 2000-2001 freshmen, the FTCE (General Knowledge Test, Professional Skill Test, and Subject Area Tests) must be passed before a degree can be conferred.* Best advice is - take the FTCE in the semester before interning, just in case you need another attempt. Other important information: Many districts are now requiring fingerprinting and background checks. Some require drug tests and/or health forms for student teachers. If you have any arrests, talk to the Director of Clinical Experiences about your situation. "Sealed" records are open for background checks of persons working with children. An arrest does not necessarily prevent you from teaching depending on its nature, but you must be honest in reporting it. Fingerprinting for Observations and Student Teaching Leon County has made it fairly easy for us to implement this new statutory requirement. Applications are available in the Office of Clinical Experiences 312 Stone. FSU students conducting observations beginning in Fall 2004 should: Pick up a copy of a Leon County School Board Request for Background Check. These forms are available from The Office of Clinical Experiences. Complete form. Take completed form and picture ID to Leon County School Board 2757 West Pensacola Street (complete instructions are listed on form). The Leon County School Board will give students directions about presenting clearance information at the schools in which they are observing. When you apply for Student Teaching you will need to present a copy of your Leon County finger print card to the Office of Clinical Experiences. This lets OCE know you have passed one background check. Student Teachers outside Area I should ask their Area Coordinator about additional procedures for fingerprinting in other counties. Can I arrange my own placement? NO. Students should NOT contact schools or districts concerning placements. The College and school districts have developed procedures and protocols, often different for each district. The school districts require that all requests or inquiries about placements be handled through the Office of Clinical Experiences staff and faculty. Are any textbooks required? Yes, you MUST purchase a copy of the Student Teaching Handbook from FSU Union Bookstore. This hard copy is to be given to your supervising teacher when you first meet him/her. You may purchase a hard copy for yourself or use the online copy. Admission to Teacher Education Getting Admitted to Teacher Education: Check with your department for department requirements and procedures. This is best done early in your junior year. Fill out the appropriate Application for Admission to Teacher Education. These forms are available in Stone Building 108 or online: Undergraduate Graduate Have department representatives sign your form. Deliver application form to Stone Building 108, academic coordinator, as soon as possible, but BEFORE applying for student teaching. Student Teaching Application Forms General directions: *You must be admitted to Teacher Education BEFORE* a student teaching application will be considered. Contact Academic Services (108 Stone) for information on admission to Teacher Education Application forms are available below on line. You may want to open up the application, print it, review it and make sure you have all the information you need before you begin to type the application. Once you are ready, go back and type the entire application on line. You must indicate your first and second choice of Preferred Student Locations by typing a #1 and a #2 next to the two counties you prefer. Only those counties listed may be chosen. The appeal process must be used to student teach in any other location. When your application is completely typed, print it and make 5 copies All copies must be signed by applicant and advisor. Attach an original 2 ½ X 2 ½ photo on each application. Each copy must have a photo! Turn three (3) copies of the typed application with photo to the Office of Clinical Experiences 312 STB. before the posted deadline Give an extra typed copy with photo to your department. Keep an extra typed copy for yourself. All student teachers must provide a copy of your Leon County finger print card** to the Office of Clinical Experiences. This lets OCE know you have passed one background check. Student Teachers outside Area I should ask their Area Coordinator about additional procedures for fingerprinting in other counties. You must purchase one hard copy of the Student Teaching Handbook for your supervising teacher and deliver it to her/him when you meet with your supervising teacher at the school where you are going to intern. The Handbook is available at the FSU Bookstore. You may purchase a hard copy of the handbook for yourself or use the online copy. You must deliver a hard copy of the Student Teaching Handbook* from the FSU Bookstore when you meet your supervising teacher. Forms (MS Word templates): Download the templates by right clicking the link and choosing "Save as ..." on PC's. Be sure the file extension is .dot, not .doc - change it before saving if necessary. These files will not work on a Macintosh. You may not be able to open these forms within your browser, so please download them first. Student Teaching Placement Application: If you are an Elementary Education major, complete stpaeled.dot. Otherwise, complete stpa.dot. Student Teaching Application Data Form: All applicants must complete stapp1.dot. Autobiographical Statement: All applicants must complete stutchab.dot. Important links: Admission to Teacher Education Student Teaching Staff Application Forms Handbook Florida Accomplished Practices