CIFE: Elementary & Early Childhood Education (PK-4)
For the student teaching experience, student teachers spend fifteen weeks teaching full-time in classrooms. Student teachers are expected to devote their full attention to the student teaching experience and are supported in this endeavor by an experienced mentor teacher and a full-time university supervisor.
Student teaching opportunities for the PK-4 are offered in various locations throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, students in these majors may opt to participate in a year-long professional development school experience or to student teach at the Pierre Indian Learning Center in Pierre, South Dakota. We also offer a short-term student teaching abroad opportunity for these majors.
Locations in Pennsylvania
- Central Region: a variety of schools and school districts within a 70 mile radius of University Park
- Greater Philadelphia Region: a variety of schools within the greater Philadelphia region
- Greater Pittsburgh Region: a variety of schools and school districts within and around the greater Pittsburgh area
Locations Outside of Pennsylvania
Requirements and Documentation
- Clearances: On the first day of class, you must present your field experience instructor with photocopies of the following:
- Valid Act 34--Criminal History Clearance
- Valid Act 151--PA Child Abuse Clearance
- Valid FBI Fingerprint Clearance
- Arrest/ Conviction Report and Certification Form (Act 24)
- Liability Insurance: Verification of Professional Liability Insurance (Liability insurance must be current throughout the duration of the field experience.)
- Tuberculosis Test: Verification of a valid tuberculosis test.
- Guest Host Form (signed).
- Mandated Reporter Training.
- Transportation: You must have, or have arranged for, transportation to and from your placement site.