Student Teaching
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Student Teaching gives candidates an immersive experience where educational theory is applied in the classroom setting. During student teaching you will:
- Be paired with an experience mentor teacher
- Co-Teach with your mentor teacher, then
- Teach the class with support from your mentor teacher and university supervisor
Student Teaching is a college supervised experience. It will be:
Student Teaching is a college supervised experience. It will be:- A full time placement
- Your final semester at SUU
- A preparation for licensure through USBE
Since SUU prepares students for licensure through USBE, all practicum and student teaching placements must be in Utah. All students will be required to meet the general teacher competencies approved by the USBE during their student teaching semester before being recommended for licensure. Students will be prepared for licensure through courses and required class workshops to meet all required competencies in a completed Professional Learning Plan (PLP).
Please be aware of the following policies:
- SUU does not provide out-of-state placements for Student Teaching or Block. Licensure is only for Utah.
- All students will be required to complete and submit a PLP for approval.
- SUU departments offering Student Teaching may have restrictions on intern or emergency employment during Student Teaching.
Before Applying to Student Teaching
To apply to student teaching, a student must meet the following requirements:
- 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Earn a grade of “C” or higher in all education and major coursework
- Completion of all coursework for degree (Secondary Education students should meet with their advisor to ensure they meet the requirements)
- For Elementary and Special Education: Complete the Utah Foundations of Reading Assessment (UFORA). This is required even if you are Secondary dual licensing in Special Education.
- Completion of an SUU Background Check/Fingerprinting
- Request an ID Badge
- Red SUU ID badges will not be administered until your SUU background check has cleared
- Do not request additional badges if you already have one
Before applying, students should review the Student Teacher Placement Guidelines document. You will be asked in the Student Teaching Application about your preferences for student teaching placements in schools.
Deadlines for Student Teaching Applications
- To Student Teach in the Fall Semester: January 30
- To Student Teach in the Spring Semester: September 19
During Student Teaching
This section includes important resources (e.g., forms; other information) for the student teaching semester. All resources are organized below according to your role in student teaching (student teacher; mentor teacher; supervisor). All information can be found in the comprehensive Student Teaching Handbook. For your convenience, quick links to documents are provided below.
Before Student Teaching
- Acceptance & Liability Contract
- TRIAD Meeting (Student Teaching 4980)
Optional Forms (highly recommended)
During Student Teaching
- Bi-Weekly Feedback Form (EDUC 4930)
- Midterm Evaluation - Self
- Final Evaluation - Self
- SUU Daily Lesson Plan Template
- PLP Checklist (EDUC 4930)
- Student Teaching Document Checklist (help keep you on track)
Reference
- STER (Student Teacher Evaluation Rubric)
- SUU Student Code of Conduct
At Risk Student Teachers
Special Education
- SPED Observation & Competency Form - Use for SPED Observations & SPED Final Evaluation
To participate in (Student is responsible for these documents)
(Optional- Highly Recommended)
STER Evaluations
- Midterm Evaluation (complete week 6)
- Final Evaluation (complete week 12 - if you have a dual SPED Student Teacher, this will be week 10).
Reference
- SUU Daily Lesson Plan Template - Student Teacher may use your template
- STER (Student Teacher Evaluation Rubric)
Stipend
- Mentor Teacher Acceptance (1099 Stipend Request): This must be submitted every semester a mentor as a student teacher.
- W9: This will need to be submitted yearly.
- Direct Deposit Form: This will only need to be submitted once
- Submit to Christine Bonnett's secure file share
At Risk Student Teachers - Completed by the University Supervisor
Special Education
- SPED Observation & Competency Form - Use for SPED Observations & SPED Final Evaluation
To participate in (Student is responsible for these documents)
(Optional- Highly Recommended)
Fillable STER Observation Options
*If there are any issues uploading it into Canvas, send it directly to Christine and she will create a shareable Google folder.
- Doc
- Sheets
- Final Evaluation (complete week 12, if you have a SPED/Additional Endorsement Student Teacher, this will be week 16)
Reference
- STER (Student Teacher Evaluation Rubric)
- SUU Student Code of Conduct
- Board Rule R277-304 Teacher Preparation Programs
At Risk Student Teachers
Special Education
- SPED Observation & Competency Form - Use for SPED Observations & SPED Final Evaluation
Travel
- Elementary & SPED
- Secondary
- Coordinate travel through your Department Chair and Administrative Assistant
Student Teaching Handbook
Professional Learning Plan (PLP) Resources
SUU teacher education programs have adopted the Professional Learning Plan (PLP) to prepare students for licensure. This plan will consist of a combination of coursework, workshops, and practical experience that will demonstrate the student has met the requirements of the USBE general teacher education competencies.
The main components of the PLP:
- Coursework- Key assignments that tie to USBE competencies will be assigned within the curriculum prior to and during student teaching.
- Student Teaching- The student will be able to demonstrate competencies during their final semester.
- Portfolio- During student teaching, students will build and populate a portfolio that will be submitted for approval. This portfolio will demonstrate competencies and can be used by the student to increase employability or for graduate program applications.
Students will take EDUC 4930 (Student Teaching Seminar) with their Student Teaching 4980 course to prepare and complete the PLP. This 3 credit course will provide the support students need to complete the requirements for licensure without additional tuition fees. Students will build and populate the portfolio portion of the PLP with personalized support.
After Student Teaching
Please review the following requirements, licensing pathways, and reciprocity guidelines to complete your licensure process.
Steps to Obtain Your Utah License
To secure your teaching license after graduation, ensure you meet the following timeline and requirements:
- Timeline: Licensure processing takes approximately 5–6 weeks after your degree is officially posted and reported to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
- USIMS Account: Verify your USIMS account is fully set up with SUU selected as your Utah Teacher Preparation Program.
- GPA Requirement: You must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of licensure.
- Course Grades: All major and minor education courses required for licensure must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Available Licenses and Endorsements
SUU offers coursework leading to professional licenses issued by the USBE. View the pathways below to find specific requirements:
- Elementary Teaching License (K-6)
- Math 1-8 Endorsement available
- Elementary License for a Secondary School Teacher
- Students with academic training with a major/or in at least one subject taught in most elementary schools who would like to get an Elementary License, please consult an Education Advisor.
- Secondary Teaching License (6-12)
- Special Education Mild/Moderate License (K-12)
- Bachelor’s Degree and Special Education Mild/Moderate Resource coursework are required with Licensure in either Elementary or Secondary
- Permits the holder to teach mild and moderately handicapped students with intellectual or behavioral handicaps or learning disabilities
Out-of-State Teaching & Reciprocity
Our program meets the requirements for teacher licensure in Utah. If a student plans to teach in another state after receiving their Utah teaching license, the student is responsible for ensuring that they meet that state’s reciprocity requirements and qualifications. Requirements vary by state, so we recommend contacting that state’s licensing agency directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
