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 schools within a 60-mile radius of campus (e.g., University Laboratory Schools, Peoria School District 150, Carle Auditory Oral School). Students will complete approximately 28-32 clinical hours in the classroom.

• Field Based Experience

  SED 250

  Placements are assigned in a variety of settings including self-contained classrooms, itinerant, and residential. Candidates teach lessons in speech, reading, and language. All candidates participating in field base or student teaching are responsible for their own transportation to and from their assigned placements. These commutes may exceed the 60-mile radius of campus. Placements are not always assigned based on an ISU or permanent home address.

• 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 can be assigned one 16-week placement or two 8-week placements: One of the placements will always take place in-state, and the other could occur 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 the 60-mile radius of campus. Placements are not always assigned based on an ISU or permanent home address.

Resources:

• Chicago Teacher Education Pipeline (CTEP)
• Illinois School Districts & Cooperatives Approved for Clinical Experiences
• SED Student Teaching Handbook (2025-2026 version coming soon)

• 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.