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 a 1 hour radius of Illinois State University campus. 

• Field Based Experience

  SED 252.01 and SED 252.02

  Is completed following the practicum semester and is a similar experience to student teaching. Field based experiences take place four days per week in Central Illinois sections (within 1 hour of ISU campus) and Chicagoland sections (suburbs or Chicago Public Schools). 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 if necessary. 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 399.59 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 their assigned placements. The commute may exceed one hour. 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.