Teacher candidates enter into their professional semester after meeting all the requirements of the Anderson University School of Education (see Teacher Candidate Guidebook [PDF]) and Anderson University Liberal Arts requirements (listed in the Undergraduate Catalog). Before teacher candidates apply for student teaching, they must pass Praxis II and complete the Teacher Candidate Information packet provided by the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences. Teacher candidates apply to their professional semester approximately one year from their projected student teaching year. Once it is determined that a teacher candidate has met all of the requirements, they will participate in a panel interview to determine their readiness for student teaching.
Requirements at a Glance
Admission to Professional Student Teaching Semester Cumulative GPA 2.75 or higher Content Studies Core (secondary candidates only) Cumulative GPA 2.50 or higher Professional EDUC Courses Core Cumulative GPA 2.75 or higher Personal Interview Score of basic or higher on rubric Writing Sample Score of basic or higher on rubric Three Recommendations/Disposition Evaluations Professor, Academic Advisor, and/or Practicum teacher attest to adequate dispositions Practicum Experiences Score of basic or higher on rubric Developing Portfolio Acceptable scores from course professor PRAXIS II Passing state scores for initial licensing Official clearance from Dean of Students Clear record Official criminal history check and Zachary Law Clearance on both Disclosure Form Signed/clear record
Throughout student teaching, teacher candidates are expected to demonstrate competencies in the areas of Instructional Strategies, Motivation and Management, Communication Skills, and Assessment. The second placement is an intensive professional practicum requiring superior demonstration in the following four areas of the Anderson University Teaching Competencies:
- Teacher as an Instructional Leader
- Teacher as a Monitor of Instruction
- Teacher as a Classroom Manager and Organizer
- Teacher as a Professional Practitioner
All teacher candidates seeking licensure must participate in an early arrival experience at their assigned school(s) or a school in their hometown. This five-day experience, which includes teacher work days, provides an opportunity for direct involvement in the opening of school when classroom routines and procedures are established.
All teacher candidates will complete a Teacher Work Sample (TWS) during their professional semester. This is a performance-based narrative that provides documentation of ability to increase student achievement. In addition the teacher candidate will present a 20-30 minute presentation outlining the student teaching experience. Please see the Teacher Candidate Guidebook for further information, requirements, policies, and procedures pertaining to the professional student teaching semester.
Learn about AU's innovative year-long student teaching program.
International Student Teaching
International Student Teaching is an eight-week placement designed to provide students with experiences in a comprehensive setting for study of the education, cultural expressions, and social issues related to teaching in another culture. This unique opportunity provides students with expanded cultural perspective and cross-cultural skills. Students with an interest in international student teaching must apply through the SOE and once accepted, must apply through the Christian College Teacher Education Coordinating Council (CCTECC).
Watch Video: AU student Abby Janis on student teaching in Australia
For further information about Anderson University's School of Education Student Teaching program, please contact Joyce Wehneman, Coordinator of Clinical Placements at jdwehneman@anderson.edu or (765) 641-4054.