Clinical Studies for Education Programs

Frequently Asked Questions for Student Teaching

When must I apply to student teach?

If you plan to student teach in the spring, applications are due to the Clinical Coordinator by October 1 (of the preceding semester). If you plan to student teach in the fall, the application is due to the Clinical Coordinator by March 1 of the preceding spring semester.

To whom and where do I send my application?

If you are seeking a placement in New Castle County, DE; Talbot, Kent or Cecil County, MD; Pennsylvania or New Jersey send your application to Dr. Sylvia Brooks. If you are seeking a placement in Kent or Sussex Counties, DE; Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, Wicomico, or Worchester County, MD send your application to Dr. Marshá Horton. Complete address information is provided at the end of the FAQ section.

Do I have to pass Praxis II before I start student teaching? I started the program in 2005 so I heard we were “grandfathered”?

All students need to pass Praxis II before they apply for student teaching. There is no grandfathering for this requirement.

Do I have to attach a copy of my ETS score reports for Praxis I and II, even though I know the University already has my scores?

Yes. Attaching the scores expedites the processing of your application. Please keep in mind that the scores are not sent to the Clinical Coordinators. If an application is received without the scores attached, the scores must be researched, a copy made and then attached to the application. This slows down the processing of the application.

The results of my Tuberculin test were positive. Does this mean that I cannot participate in clinical experiences in the schools?

ou can participate in clinical experiences in the schools; however, you will need to get documentation from your health care provider indicating that while you have a positive Tuberculin test, you do not have an active case of the disease.

I know a teacher who said that she would love to have me as a student teacher. Can I be assigned to her for student teaching?

Student teachers are not allowed to initiate or make their own placements without the express permission of the Clinical Coordinator. While you may indicate to your Clinical Coordinator a preference for placement, it is your coordinator's responsibility to utilize his/her knowledge and experience to obtain an appropriate placement for you. Also, please be aware that student teachers will not be placed in a school where a member of the immediate family is currently employed.

When do I start student teaching?

You start school at the same time as your assigned school begins for the semester in which you’re doing your student teaching. You are not attending based on the class schedule for Wilmington University. There is one exception: students in the MSE program. For students in the MSE program, the duration of student teaching allows them the option of starting in either Block I or Block II of the semester, thus their start date may vary. All students are encouraged to contact their assigned placement school as soon as possible after you are notified of your placement to find out when to report for your student teaching experience. You should meet or speak with your cooperating teacher ahead of time to introduce yourself and to discuss classroom procedures. At this time you can confirm your start date.

I have a job after school. Will student teaching interfere with my job?

Student teaching should be your first priority. Student teachers are strongly encouraged not to try to work during student teaching or take other courses, unless those courses are a required part of the clinical experience for your program. Student teaching is a full-time job. Students who feel they absolutely must work should limit employment to weekends (Friday nights, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons) and holidays. Keep in mind that in addition to being prepared for each day, you will need to attend weekly seminars with your University Supervisor as well as faculty meetings and other after-school or evening meetings required of the regular placement school staff.

I am scheduled to begin student teaching in two weeks, but I was just offered a teaching position. Can I accept the job and have that count as my student teaching?

All students who wish to receive university credit for student teaching must register for the course and complete the experience under the supervision of a cooperating teacher in the classroom and a university supervisor. Students who opt to accept teaching positions prior to student teaching may be able to use that position for their placement if the position meets the requirements for their program. This is called a Concurrent Placement. Concurrent Placements must be approved by the appropriate Clinical Coordinator prior to registering for student teaching. Questions regarding the appropriateness of the position for a placement should be discussed with the Clinical Coordinator. The application forms for a Concurrent Placement are a part of the Student Teaching Application and should be submitted with the application or as soon as possible once a position is offered.

I’m in a wedding during student teaching. In order to attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, I need to be absent from student teaching on Thursday and Friday. Can I be absent from student teaching?

The student teacher has the same responsibilities for reporting and attending, as does any employed teacher. Only absences due to illness or emergency will be excused. All absences from student teaching (including excused absences) must be made up prior to the final transition week of the experience. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Clinical Coordinator, Supervisor and Cooperating Teacher.

Can student teachers be substitute teachers?

All Wilmington University Student Teachers will be encouraged (but not required) to register as substitute teachers in their placement districts. A Wilmington University Student Teacher may serve as an unpaid substitute teacher in the absence of the Cooperating Teacher, for short periods of time (part or all of 1-3 days) in certain circumstances. Following the satisfactory completion of 6 weeks in their clinical placements, Student Teachers who are properly registered as substitute teachers are permitted to serve as substitute teachers, with pay, for a total of 5 additional days. Requests for Student Teachers to substitute for more than the allotted 5 days must be discussed with the Cooperating Teacher, the University Supervisor, and the Coordinator of Clinical Studies prior to the assignment. In all situations where student teachers are being used as substitutes, the district will assume liability. Student teachers are teachers in training and must not be used as substitute teachers on a regular basis.

 

Return all completed applications for a New Castle County, DE; Kent, Talbot or Cecil County, MD; Pennsylvania or New Jersey placement to:

Dr. Sylvia J. Brooks

sylvia.j.brooks@wilmu.edu
Wilmington University
Division of Education
320 duPont Highway 
New Castle, DE 19720
Telephone: (302) 356-6978
Fax: (302) 322-7081

 

Return all completed applications for a Kent or Sussex County, DE; Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, Wicomico, or Worchester County, MD placement to:

           
Dr. Marshá T. Horton

marsha.t.horton@wilmu.edu
Wilmington University
3282 N. duPont Highway
Telephone: (302) 342-8622
Fax: (302) 734-1331

This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2008-2009 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2008 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.