Future Student Teachers: Preparing for Student Teaching

Beginning Fall 2008 the College of Education will no longer place Tallahassee-based interns in Area 2. The College of Education will continue to support placement of interns in Areas 1, 3, 4, and 5.

Criteria for Admission to Student Teaching

To be admitted to Student Teaching you must meet the following criteria:

You must be admitted to Teacher Education.
Have a GPA of 2.5 in all upper division coursework (a higher GPA may be required by some academic programs for particular core courses).
Successfully complete at least one semester at Florida State University.
Successfully meet standards and complete a diversity of specific early clinical experiences set by the program or the University.
Successfully complete subject area specialization and professional education coursework outlined under "Subject Area Specialization/Professional Education/Clinical Experience Curriculum" in the FSU General Bulletin prior to Student Teaching.
Receive recommendation of your Teacher Education program for admission.

Admission to Teacher Education

Admission to Teacher Education must be established before you can apply to student teach. You typically would apply for admission to Teacher Education during your fifth semester at FSU. Go to Academic Services (2301 Stone Building) for application information.

Application for Student Teaching: Frequently asked Questions

How do I apply for student teaching?

Application packets are available online.

When do I apply for Student Teaching?

Applications must be submitted early during the semester before you intern. See Student Teaching Calendar for submission dates.

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.

Your department/program advisor must sign your application form. This signature indicates the program and its faculty recommend you for the Student Teaching/Internship based on your GPA, Course and Field Based Performance Evaluations on critical tasks related to the FSU Indicators of Florida Educator Accomplished Practices, the FSU Conceptual Framework and other professional standards.

Can I arrange my own placement?

No. Students should NOT contact teachers, 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 by the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building) staff which consults with the program faculty. Program faculty members meet with Area Coordinators each semester to provide specific guidance on placements.

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 have not received notification of your placement by 2 weeks before the end of the semester, contact your department. If your department does not have any information, contact the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building).

What counties in Florida are accepted for student teaching? (Note: Program requirements vary)

Starting Fall 2008 the College of Education will no longer place Tallahassee-based interns in Area 2. The College of Education will continue to support placement of interns in Areas 1, 3, 4, and 5.

Area I - Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla;
Area III - Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Volusia;
Area IV - Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Sarasota;
Area V - Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach.

For PCC Students Only

Area II - Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Jackson, Gulf, Holmes, Liberty, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington;

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

You must come to the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building) and pick up an appeals form. Complete the form with required signatures, and return it no later than the Friday 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 no later than the deadline (see Student Teaching Calendar). All appeals meetings begin at 1:30 pm EST in Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building) You must appear before the committee to have your appeal considered.

What tests must I pass for admission and graduation?

You must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) 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, all 3 sections of the FTCE (General Knowledge Test, Professional Skill Test, and Subject Area Tests) must be passed before a degree can be conferred. Passing all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) prior to final term student teaching internship is a COE graduation requirement. Passing the FTCE is also a Florida Department of Education requirement for teachers seeking licensure as a certified educator in Florida. ALL Teacher Education majors scheduled to student teach Spring 2009 or later must have passed all appropriate sections of the FTCE before you will be placed for student teaching. Official copies of passing scores on all three required examinations must be on file in the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (OASIS) before your application for student teaching will be processed.

Do I need to be fingerprinted and have a background check?

Yes. All districts now require 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 Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building) about your situation. "Sealed" records are opened 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.

During the Student Teaching Orientation your Area Coordinator will provide specific information regarding background and fingerprinting requirements, procedures, forms and deadlines in the district where you will be Student Teaching.

A Level II Security Check is required for all FSU students who will have direct contact with PreK-12 students. Students should be aware that if you have been arrested for certain crimes you may not be considered for a teaching position. A previous arrest may prevent students from student teaching as well. Contact the respective Area Coordinator for details about applications for the Level II Security Check.

Leon County has made it fairly easy for us to implement this new statutory requirement. Applications are available in the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building). FSU students conducting observations beginning in Fall 2009 should:

Pick up a copy of a Leon County School Board Request for Background Check. These forms are available from The Office of Academic Services and Intern Support.
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 Academic Services and Intern Support. This lets the OASIS 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.

Are any textbooks required?

Yes. You must purchase 2 copies of the Student Teaching Handbook. Copies of the handbook may be purchased from Target Copy in Tallahassee or FSU Panama City Bookstore. You are responsible for giving your Cooperating Teacher one copy of the handbook.

Do I need liability insurance?

Yes. All students who participate in any FSU student teaching program are required to purchase and maintain liability insurance for the duration of their internship. You must provide documentation of this coverage to the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support before you can begin your student teaching experience. You will receive additional information during the mandatory student teaching orientation.

Student Teaching Orientation

A mandatory orientation meeting is held each semester (one in late afternoon, one in evening). Check the Student Teaching Calendar for specific times and place. Requirements for successful student teaching are covered in depth. You meet with your Area Coordinator to discuss some of the specifics of student teaching placement, liability insurance, fingerprinting/background check requirements.

Preparation for Your Student Teaching

The General Policies and Procedures for Student Teaching should be reviewed as you prepare for your student teaching. These policies cover (among others) such topics as Attire and Grooming, Absences, Taking Other Courses Concurrently with Student Teaching, Restrictions on Placement and Outside Activities.

Read the Student Teaching Handbook before you begin student teaching. It will provide a very precise overview of your responsibilities as an FSU student teacher. The handbook includes formative and summative evaluation forms that will used to evaluate your performance on the 12 Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.


	Home Future student teachers Current student teachers Cooperating teachers University supervisors Graduates/alumni OCE Resources			Future Student Teachers: Preparing for Student Teaching Beginning Fall 2008 the College of Education will no longer place Tallahassee-based interns in Area 2. The College of Education will continue to support placement of interns in Areas 1, 3, 4, and 5. Criteria for Admission to Student Teaching To be admitted to Student Teaching you must meet the following criteria: You must be admitted to Teacher Education. Have a GPA of 2.5 in all upper division coursework (a higher GPA may be required by some academic programs for particular core courses). Successfully complete at least one semester at Florida State University. Successfully meet standards and complete a diversity of specific early clinical experiences set by the program or the University. Successfully complete subject area specialization and professional education coursework outlined under "Subject Area Specialization/Professional Education/Clinical Experience Curriculum" in the FSU General Bulletin prior to Student Teaching. Receive recommendation of your Teacher Education program for admission. Admission to Teacher Education Admission to Teacher Education must be established before you can apply to student teach. You typically would apply for admission to Teacher Education during your fifth semester at FSU. Go to Academic Services (2301 Stone Building) for application information. Application for Student Teaching: Frequently asked Questions How do I apply for student teaching? Application packets are available online. When do I apply for Student Teaching? Applications must be submitted early during the semester before you intern. See Student Teaching Calendar for submission dates. 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. Your department/program advisor must sign your application form. This signature indicates the program and its faculty recommend you for the Student Teaching/Internship based on your GPA, Course and Field Based Performance Evaluations on critical tasks related to the FSU Indicators of Florida Educator Accomplished Practices, the FSU Conceptual Framework and other professional standards. Can I arrange my own placement? No. Students should NOT contact teachers, 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 by the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building) staff which consults with the program faculty. Program faculty members meet with Area Coordinators each semester to provide specific guidance on placements. 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 have not received notification of your placement by 2 weeks before the end of the semester, contact your department. If your department does not have any information, contact the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building). What counties in Florida are accepted for student teaching? (Note: Program requirements vary) Starting Fall 2008 the College of Education will no longer place Tallahassee-based interns in Area 2. The College of Education will continue to support placement of interns in Areas 1, 3, 4, and 5. Area I - Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla; Area III - Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Volusia; Area IV - Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Sarasota; Area V - Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach. For PCC Students Only Area II - Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Jackson, Gulf, Holmes, Liberty, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington; How can I appeal for a county not on the accepted list? You must come to the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building) and pick up an appeals form. Complete the form with required signatures, and return it no later than the Friday 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 no later than the deadline (see Student Teaching Calendar). All appeals meetings begin at 1:30 pm EST in Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building) You must appear before the committee to have your appeal considered. What tests must I pass for admission and graduation? You must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) 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, all 3 sections of the FTCE (General Knowledge Test, Professional Skill Test, and Subject Area Tests) must be passed before a degree can be conferred. Passing all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) prior to final term student teaching internship is a COE graduation requirement. Passing the FTCE is also a Florida Department of Education requirement for teachers seeking licensure as a certified educator in Florida. ALL Teacher Education majors scheduled to student teach Spring 2009 or later must have passed all appropriate sections of the FTCE before you will be placed for student teaching. Official copies of passing scores on all three required examinations must be on file in the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (OASIS) before your application for student teaching will be processed. Do I need to be fingerprinted and have a background check? Yes. All districts now require 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 Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building) about your situation. "Sealed" records are opened 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. During the Student Teaching Orientation your Area Coordinator will provide specific information regarding background and fingerprinting requirements, procedures, forms and deadlines in the district where you will be Student Teaching. A Level II Security Check is required for all FSU students who will have direct contact with PreK-12 students. Students should be aware that if you have been arrested for certain crimes you may not be considered for a teaching position. A previous arrest may prevent students from student teaching as well. Contact the respective Area Coordinator for details about applications for the Level II Security Check. Leon County has made it fairly easy for us to implement this new statutory requirement. Applications are available in the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (2301 Stone Building). FSU students conducting observations beginning in Fall 2009 should: Pick up a copy of a Leon County School Board Request for Background Check. These forms are available from The Office of Academic Services and Intern Support. 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 Academic Services and Intern Support. This lets the OASIS 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. Are any textbooks required? Yes. You must purchase 2 copies of the Student Teaching Handbook. Copies of the handbook may be purchased from Target Copy in Tallahassee or FSU Panama City Bookstore. You are responsible for giving your Cooperating Teacher one copy of the handbook. Do I need liability insurance? Yes. All students who participate in any FSU student teaching program are required to purchase and maintain liability insurance for the duration of their internship. You must provide documentation of this coverage to the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support before you can begin your student teaching experience. You will receive additional information during the mandatory student teaching orientation. Student Teaching Orientation A mandatory orientation meeting is held each semester (one in late afternoon, one in evening). Check the Student Teaching Calendar for specific times and place. Requirements for successful student teaching are covered in depth. You meet with your Area Coordinator to discuss some of the specifics of student teaching placement, liability insurance, fingerprinting/background check requirements. Preparation for Your Student Teaching The General Policies and Procedures for Student Teaching should be reviewed as you prepare for your student teaching. These policies cover (among others) such topics as Attire and Grooming, Absences, Taking Other Courses Concurrently with Student Teaching, Restrictions on Placement and Outside Activities. Read the Student Teaching Handbook before you begin student teaching. It will provide a very precise overview of your responsibilities as an FSU student teacher. The handbook includes formative and summative evaluation forms that will used to evaluate your performance on the 12 Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.