Clinical Experiences and Student Teaching
The purpose of clinical experiences and 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.
Clinical Experiences
Clinical experiences begin early through observation hours in schools. After observations, candidates 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.
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Practicum: SED 246 is a supervised clinical experience with consistent teaching responsibilities. Placements are either two days per week for half days (within 1 hour commute) or one day per week for full days (within 1.5 hour commute).
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Field Based Experience: SED 253.01 and SED 253.02 is completed following the practicum semester. Field based placements take place at the Illinois School for the Visual Impaired in Springfield, IL, the Indiana School for the Blind in Indianapolis, IN, and in the Chicago area. 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.
Student Teaching
STT 399.64 sec 01 and STT 399.64 sec 02 is the capstone experience 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.
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