Each semester, the Office of Clinical Experiences works to secure hundreds of quality field experience and student teaching positions for our education students. Beyond simply meeting the requirements for graduation and licensure, your placement will expand your knowledge of content and innovative teaching methods. When you transition from recent graduate to new educator, you’ll do so with the skills and confidence needed to enrich the minds of students across the state.
Our office works closely with over 100 schools throughout Minnesota. Our partnerships allow our staff to make placements that match your teaching preferences and desired classroom environment.
As a student teaching applicant, you must:
As part of admission to student teaching, the College of Education and Learning Design reserves the right to consider personal qualities, general health, scholastic achievement, conduct, or other standards related to effective teaching.
Before you begin student teaching, you’ll need to complete 150–300 hours of field experience. During this time, you’ll build familiarity with the classroom environment, observe students and teaching methods, and microteach to gain first-hand experience.
In the 16 weeks of student teaching that follow, you’ll work alongside your supervising educator to put your skills to the test.
Apply for a placement during the semester before you intend to student teach using InPlace, an online tool that helps coordinate clinical experiences. From there, our student teaching coordinators will review your credentials, send out your application, and, once approved, look for a placement where you’ll thrive.
The Office of Clinical Experiences takes several things into consideration when placing student teachers:
During the last week of the semester, student teaching placements will be released through InPlace. Candidates will need to complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and student teaching orientation before they can enter their classroom.
Looking for tips on how to make a good impression on your cooperating teacher and new students? The Office of Clinical Experiences is available to help.
The student teacher must:
Download: Accommodations for Field Experience and Student Teaching (PDF)
CPR and First Aid requirements are found in the teacher candidate application. All Child and Family Studies majors and Health and PE (HPE) majors must be certified in CPR and First Aid to student teach. HPE students also need to complete a Water Safety Instruction course.
You can find CPR and first aid classes through Campus Recreation, the Red Cross, community education programs, or a hospital.
Proof of professional liability insurance must be provided to the Office of Clinical Experiences in one of two ways:
Apply online here. Forward the confirmation page via email to the OCE, or give the OCE a copy of your application to Education Minnesota and the check made out to them.
OR
Provide a copy of your homeowner’s policy with professional liability coverage highlighted.