STUDENT TEACHING - Requirements to Begin Student Teaching

Application to student teach is completed one year in advance of the candidates' student teaching semester. A full list of requirements can be found in the TEP handbook.

• Complete the Teaching Education Program (TEP) application including the Safety Training and English Language Learner modules.
• Create your ELIS account.
• Maintain the required cumulative and major GPAs for your major (2.0 Early Childhood, 2.75 History Education, 2.5 for all other education majors), and achieve a C- or better in all coursework for your major.
• Submit your Student Teaching Application materials including resume and application letter (cover letter) one year in advance of your student-teaching semester; March 1 (spring student-teaching) or October 1 (fall student-teaching).
• Complete the Application for Graduation during the second semester of your junior year via the webform at https://www.wiu.edu/registrar/gradapp.php  
• Successfully complete all graduation coursework requirements (except student teaching courses because those are yet to happen) prior to your student-teaching term. Consult with your academic advisor and the University catalog for details. Some departments may have additional requirements; see your advisor or program coordinator for your major.
• Complete the Clearance Forms for Student-Teaching one semester in advance of your student teaching semester; March 1 (fall student teaching) or October 1 (spring student teaching).
  • • Complete Professional Educator License (PEL) application.
    • Attempt Content Test(s) and keep us in the loop on your status (also TLP-Spanish for Multilingual majors and OPI for World Language majors).
    • Complete Mandated Reporter Training and Status Form . Submit the completion certificate and Status Form.

• • • Sign the Illinois School Code physical exam statement.
    • Sign the Illinois School Code: Code of Ethics statement. 
• Register for your student teaching coursework as soon as allowed. This includes clearing all of your account holds - immunization, judicial, financial, etc. You cannot begin student teaching without registering for the appropriate classes due to liability insurance!
• Provide official verification of a fingerprint background investigation to the school district in which you are placed. More details are available during the Student Teaching and Clearance Meetings.

The major department will be requested to reassess each applicant's record. At that time, the department has the option to recommend or withdraw its recommendation for an individual to student teach. Candidates must have this final recommendation before clearance to student teach will be granted.

If a candidate wishes to cancel his/her student teaching for any reason or if the candidate changes majors or minors after applying to student teach, it is the responsibility of the candidate to notify the Coordinator of Field and Clinical Experiences.