Student Teaching
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
- Takes place all day, every day, during one semester
- It will be your final semester at SUU
- Prepares you 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.
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)
- 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).
Forms to Complete:
Information/Other Resources:
Forms to Complete:
Submit to Christine Bonnett's secure file share
- Mentor Teacher Acceptance 1099 Stipend Request (Submit Each Semester)
- W9 (Submit Yearly)
- Direct Deposit Form (Submit Once)
Information/Other Resources:
Forms to Complete:
Information/Other Resources:
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 are highly encouraged to enroll in the PLP prep course during their student teaching semester. 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
Utah Licenses and Endorsements for Teachers
In order to teach in Utah, students must obtain a Professional license, issued by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) indicating the proper major and grade level they are qualified to teach. SUU offers courses leading to the following Licenses:
- 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
Teaching in States Other Than Utah
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.
