Student Teaching

Current Students

The Educator Preparation Office welcomes you to the most important learning experience, student teaching, in your teacher education program. We hope this experience will be exciting, fruitful, and meaningful. In order to make it a success, the following policies need to be adhered below.

General Information

  • Student teaching is a full-time commitment for an entire semester. Your complete dedication during the semester you have been placed in is required. Personal events that would interfere with your commitment should not be planned for this semester.
  • Placements in preferred geographic areas or partner schools or at specific grade levels cannot be guaranteed.
  • Teacher Candidates cannot be placed in a school where they have a close relative attending and/or working.
  • Student Teaching (for secondary/k-12 candidates) in the high school you attended is at the discretion of your program coordinator.
  • You must have and maintain the required GPA for your program before you will be allowed to Student Teach.
  • Do your homework; research districts. Make sure you know which districts require separate applications and/or background checks in addition to those UNC requires.
  • You will be notified through Bearmail when your placement has been confirmed. Once you receive written confirmation, you should immediately contact the school and arrange to meet your mentor teacher and the building administrator.
  • You must complete all required coursework before Student Teaching. You are not allowed to take additional courses while you student teach.
  • Once a placement is confirmed, IT WILL NOT BE CHANGED. If you have a question about your placement, please contact Cheryl Sparks in the Educator Preparation Office.
  • It is your responsibility to keep the Educator Preparation Office informed of any change of geographical preference for your student teaching before a placement is secured.

Out of State/International Student Teaching

  • Out of State placements require notification to the Educator Preparation Office at least 1-year prior to the semester you plan to student teach.  You will also be required to have approval from your program coordinator.
  • Out of State placements may require additional fees; UNC will pay the first $400.00 of the supervision fee. The student is responsible for any fees that exceed $400.00. This may range from $0 to $2000 or more, depending on the placement. Please work with Cheryl Sparks to make arrangements to pay any additional fees required prior to beginning your student teaching placement.
  • International student teaching is an option. Please notify the Educator Preparation Office at least 1 year prior to the semester you plan to student teach. More information will be provided at that time to support you.

In the Field

Policy for missed field experience hours

  • Days missed in any field experience for any reason must be made-up by an equal number of field hours. In-service days, parent conference days or similar professional activities that are a normal part of teachers’ work are considered to be field hours. Any absences without prior notification to your field supervisor and your mentor teacher may lead to withdrawal from the course and/or a failing grade.
  • The following exceptions to rule #1 are allowed:
    • School closure (Snow days, medical quarantine, building emergencies, etc.)
    • Documented medical emergencies
    • Scheduled UNC activities the teacher candidate is required or highly encouraged to attend (seminars, required training, teacher job fairs, etc.). Mentor teacher and UNC supervisor must be notified and give their consent.
  • Any other exceptions will need approval in writing from your program coordinator to the Educator Preparation Office.

Questions? Contact Us!