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 247

  Practicum candidates observe and teach at University Laboratory Schools or in Peoria for 28-32 hours.

• Field Based Experience

  SED 248 and SED 249

  Assigned placements are within driving distance from campus. Candidates teach 10 lessons in speech, reading, and language. SED 250 is completed in the same semester, and candidates teach all day for six weeks. All candidates participating in field base or student teaching are responsible for their own transportation to and from student teaching and field based placements. These commutes may exceed one hour. Placements are not determined by 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 399.58 sec 01 and STT 399.58 sec 02 are the capstone experiences of teacher education at Illinois State. During student teaching, candidates steadily increase classroom responsibilities and demonstrate competency in planning, assessment, and instructional tasks. Student teaching requires two 8-week placements: One of the placements will take place in-state, and the other occurs at a residential placement or an oral placement out-of-state, depending upon interest and availability. All candidates participating in field base or student teaching are responsible for transportation to and from student teaching and field based placements. The commute may exceed one hour. Placements are not determined based on where the teacher candidate lives.

Resources:

• National Center for Urban Education
• CPS Neighborhood map
• Illinois COOP map
• Illinois DHH map
• Out of State Schools

• 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.