Field Experiences

Student Teaching (EFC 480)

You approach the Office of Field Experiences with a mix of excitement and anticipation, knowing that EFC 480 - your student teaching experience - awaits. Here, your dreams of standing in front of a classroom begin to take shape. The placement team is ready to guide you, matching you with a mentor teacher and a classroom that aligns with your interests and educational focus. Through EFC 480, you are not just observing; you're planning lessons, engaging with students, and reflecting on your practice under the watchful eye of experienced educators. You have the resources, the support, and the opportunities to transform theoretical knowledge into teaching artistry. You realize that this experience is more than a course; it's the crucible in which your teaching philosophy and skills are forged, refined, and made ready for the educational challenges that lie ahead. The Office of Field Experiences becomes your gateway to the profession you've chosen, a place where your potential as an educator is nurtured and unleashed.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Quarter: Apply by January 15th
• Winter Quarter: Apply by May 1st
• Spring Quarter: Apply by October 1st

Application Checklist

1. Review our placement processes and policy carefully. Failure to adhere to our policy could put your placement in jeopardy.
2. Make sure your schedule will allow you to be available full time during the entire Student Teaching quarter. We strongly recommend that you do not work while student teaching.
3. Prepare your resume and teaching statement for submission with your application.
4. Choose your placement preferences.
5. Submit your application.

TeachSTEM students: If you are in a year-long placement, the application will ask you to enter information about your existing mentor teacher. If you need a new mentor teacher, the application will guide you to submit the information we need to find you a new mentor.

Course Description

Student Teaching is a by-permission-only course which must be completed full-time over the course of one quarter. The course is based around a full time placement with a mentor teacher. The mentor is endorsed in the same or a similar subject as the student teacher is pursuing.

The Student Teaching placement experience is accompanied by a field supervisor-led weekly seminar. The seminar will meet for a total of 20 clock hours during the quarter. The time is normally at a time other than school hours at a place designated by the University field supervisor. Learn more at the Student Teaching course overview.

Credits: 16
Repeatable for Credit: No
Grading Basis: S/U

Pre-Requisites

• Full admission to the Teacher Certification Program
• 3.0 GPA or higher (either for the last 45 graded quarter credits or overall CWU/transfer cumulative)
• Successful completion (grade of C or higher) of professional sequence, major, and minor courses
• Successful completion of at least 75 percent of major and minor (to include certain courses)
• Purchase of student intern/practicum professional liability insurance
• Current WSP/FBI fingerprint clearance through OSPI (book your fingerprinting appointment)
• Submission of proof of registration of WEST-E or NES exam for a test date that will occur prior to the first day of the Student Teaching experience. Email confirmation of scheduled date to teachercertification@cwu.edu.
• All grades of Incomplete must be converted to C or higher prior to the beginning of the Student Teaching experience.
• Create an e-cert account with OSPI. Complete the Pre-Residency Clearance Application the next day. Tutorial videos can be found on the Teacher Certification Student Resources webpage.