Student Field Experiences FAQ Where do we get the most detailed program information? All students are required to take an Orientation class after admission. This class includes an overview of the program, practicum, student teaching, and services provided within the college. Who do I talk to about Secondary practicum or student teaching questions? The program coordinator of the respective program. Where are practicum placements made? Within a 30-45 minute drive of Iowa City. How many hours do I need available to do practicum? It varies by program; Secondary students need to consult with their program coordinator and Elementary students with Dr. Ries. Who do I talk to about the methods practicum? Dr. Pam Ries, Practicum Director Who do I talk to about elementary student teaching? Dr. Ellie Herman, Coordinator of Field Experiences How do I find out information about Scholarships? http://www.education.uiowa.edu/scholarships/ Are there activities for Honor Students? Yes, students with a 3.3 g.p.a. are invited to participate in the Honors Opportunity Program (HOP) through the Belin Blank Center. How do I find out about student teaching expectations? http://www.education.uiowa.edu/handbook/index.html When do I apply to student teach? You will need to apply one year in advance of your planned student teaching experience. Questions should be addressed to 319/335-5361. Can I student teach in a school I attended? No, you can not complete a student teaching experience in a school you attended, or in a school where you have worked, or have family. You may however, student teach in other buildings in a district you attended. Where can I student teach? Options are discussed in elementary and secondary orientation classes. Student teaching placements routinely are within a 30-45 minute drive of Iowa City. Placements outside this radius, called "special site" placements, are also possible through an additional approval process. Special site placement options include the Des Moines area, other locations in Iowa, the Chicago area, a number of racially and ethnically diverse districts around the United States, and can include a half-semester placement in a number of other countries. Do I register for classes during student teaching? Yes. The course registration is a full semester load, typically, 14-16 hours (plus fees). All coursework is related to student teaching. Once I’ve applied to student teach, can I change my request? Placement choices may be revised until the semester prior to placement. The last date of change is 3 weeks into that semester. Is transportation provided to practicum or student teaching? Transportation is the responsibility of the student, however; students are encouraged to carpool. How long is my student teaching experience? In most cases a full semester is 15-16 weeks, however; there are programs that do a split assignment. When are student teaching placements distributed? Student teaching placement notification meetings are held during the last week of classes the semester prior to the student teaching semester. Do students make their own field experience placements? NO, placements are made by the Office of Student Field Experiences following protocols established by each school and/or district. When will I complete my student teaching experience? The expectation is that student teaching will be completed during your final semester. |