Student Teaching

Student teachers are required to complete 600 hours of fieldwork in their subject area over the academic year. They should attend their fieldwork placement 4 days per week, 5 hours per day if on a traditional school schedule, or 20 hours per week if on a block schedule. Fieldwork days and times are arranged in coordination with the cooperating teacher. Student teachers should co-plan with their cooperating/mentor teachers and should gradually take on more responsibility as each semester progresses. Student teachers are required to take over instruction for 4 weeks during the program. At CSU East Bay, we recommend 10 days in the fall and 10 days in the spring. Coursework is integrated closely with field experiences to provide candidates with a cohesive and comprehensive program that allows candidates to learn, practice, and demonstrate the competencies required for the credential they seek. 

 

Increasing the Student Teacher’s Responsibilities 

The level of responsibility for teaching should increase as the Cooperating Teacher determines the student teacher is ready.  By the end of the semester, the student teacher must assume full responsibility for a minimum of 10 days.  This should include at least three contiguous days to see the scope and sequence of instruction.  Candidates need to meet with their Cooperating Teacher to determine a timeline for increasing their responsibilities in the classroom.

See the sample times for a recommended sequence of how to increase the candidate’s assumption of additional responsibilities on the 2024-2025 Teaching Placement Checklist.

 

Student Teacher Responsibilities

In addition to adhering to school rules, policies, and professional obligations, each candidate is also expected to:

  • Arrive at the school on time, be prepared to teach, and have all lesson plans and materials ready for the day;
  • If absent from student teaching, notify your cooperating teacher and/or university supervisor;  
  • Become acquainted with school personnel and facilities;
  • Participate in weekly instructional scheduling and lesson planning with cooperating teacher and/or site partner;
  • Schedule lesson observations and conferences with the university supervisor, cooperating teacher, and /or site partner;
  • Present to cooperating teacher and/or university supervisor at least 24 hours in advance of teaching: a) courses of study; b) unit outlines; c) instructional plans; and/or d) other materials that demonstrate satisfactory evidence of lesson preparation;

Failure to meet one’s student teaching responsibilities may result in declassification from the program.

Student Teacher Under Contract (STUC)

A Student Teacher Under Contract (STUC) is a candidate who is employed by the school district as the teacher of record but is not an intern. This candidate is considered by the program as a student teacher, not an intern, and must follow the student teaching checklist. We ask that districts support these candidates but it is not required by the CTC. The candidate can be working part-time or full-time in this capacity but must be teaching a minimum of 60% in their subject area to meet program requirements. If the candidate is working less than 60% in their subject area, they will need to arrange to student teach to meet this requirement.

Once you commit to being a student teacher, you cannot switch to student-teacher under contract or internship status until the semester break.

Substitute Teaching Procedures

Candidates may serve as substitute teachers under the following conditions:

  • Candidates may serve as substitutes for their cooperating teacher. Candidates may serve as substitutes for other teachers if the assignment does not conflict with their regularly scheduled fieldwork. 
  • Candidates must be paid for their work as substitute teachers. If candidates are not paid they should contact the Department Chair immediately.
  • Candidates must be paid for their work as substitute teachers. If candidates are not paid they should contact the Program Coordinator immediately.