Classroom Experiences

Clinicals

Clinical experiences begin early through observation hours in schools. After observations, teacher candidates in the Department of Special Education (SED) become more involved in student learning. Before these interactions take place, candidates must complete required coursework and obtain a valid TB test and criminal background check.

• Practicum

  SED 251

  Begins the first supervised clinical experience with consistent teaching responsibilities. Practicum placements are two days per week (within 1 hour commute).

• Field Based Experience

  SED 252.01 and SED 252.02

  Is completed following the practicum semester and is a similar experience to student teaching. One or two placements are assigned one year in advance per candidate. Field based experiences take place at the Macon-Piatt Coop (Decatur and rural areas), McLean County (Bloomington/Normal), Peoria/Pekin, or Chicago (suburbs or Chicago Public Schools. View the LBS field based PowerPoint. All SED Field Base and Student Teachers are responsible for transportation to and from Student Teaching and Field Based placement. The commute may exceed one hour. The placement is not dependent on where the Teacher Candidate lives.

• Questions?

  The purpose of clinical experiences is to provide students with opportunities to apply theory to practice. These experiences help to make Illinois State teacher candidates among the best and most sought after educators in the field. For additional information, visit the Teacher Education Center site.

Student Teaching

STT 399.59 sec 01 and STT 399.59 sec 02 is completed following the field based semester and is the capstone of teacher education at Illinois State. During student teaching, students steadily increase classroom responsibilities and demonstrate competency in planning, assessment, and instructional tasks. Student teaching requires one 16-week placement. All SED Field Base and Student Teachers are responsible for transportation to and from Student Teaching and Field Based placement. The commute may exceed one hour. The placement is not dependent on where the Teacher Candidate lives.

Resources:

• National Center for Urban Education
• CPS Neighborhood map
• Illinois COOP map
• STT -SED handbook

• Questions?

  The purpose of student teaching is to provide students with opportunities to apply theory to practice. These experiences help to make Illinois State teacher candidates among the best and most sought after educators in the field. For additional information, visit the Teacher Education Center site.