Clinical (Student) Teaching
Clinical teaching is a very important element of the teaching certification process. Student teaching is as a full day, full-time, school-based experience supervised by both a cooperating teacher and TCU field supervisor. The clinical teaching experience provides pre-service teachers the opportunity to make practical application of knowledge, learning principles and teaching techniques.
Any student who wishes to be considered for admission to clinical teaching must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of all content area and education coursework with a minimum of 2.75 GPA and no grade lower than a “C-”
- A minimum overall TCU GPA of 2.75
- Successful completion of EDUC/EDEC 30001: Professional Practice Seminar
- Professionalism in attitude, demeanor, ability, and preparation per Educators’ Code of Ethics.
- Completion and documentation of all field based coursework and hours. (TAC §228.35 (e)(1)(A&B))
- A mandatory workshop will be held prior to clinical teaching to address requirements, meet field supervisors, discuss the certification process, and address questions and concerns.
- Clinical teachers will follow the district calendar with respect to start dates, holidays, and breaks.
* Candidates must have successfully completed all course requirements on the degree plan prior to the clinical teaching semester. All transfer hours require approval and submission prior to the clinical teaching semester.
Decisions are made for admission by an Admissions Committee comprised of faculty members familiar with the students’ academic and professional status.
NOTE: Placement is subject to approval based on grades, course completion, criminal background check and committee approval, as well as school or district partnership.
Candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching as a person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a SBEC educator preparation program, or planning to take a certification exam may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding the person’s potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense TAC §227.
Deadline: February 1 for fall and September 1 for spring. Please fill out the Online Clinical Teaching Application.
All TCU College of Education students are required to complete clinical teaching as part of their teacher certification program. Clinical teachers will follow the district calendar with respect to start dates, holidays, and breaks.
- Students in the EC-6 program will student teach 35 days each in two grade levels for a minimum of 70 days (minimum of 14 weeks).
- Students in the Middle/Secondary program will student teach for a minimum of 70 days (minimum of 14 weeks) in one school.
- Students obtaining all-level certifications will work with their advisors to determine appropriate field placements and schedule to meet the minimum requirement of 70 days of clinical teaching. (TAC §228.35 (e)(2)(A))
The Director of Field Experience and Community Partnerships is responsible for administering and organizing the clinical teaching process and placements.
Texas teachers are evaluated using T-TESS (Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System). Teacher effectiveness is based on: a) observation, b) teacher self-assessment, and c) student growth. Clinical Teaching classroom observations are based on the standards and skills addressed in the T-TESS. To learn more about the Texas teacher evaluation, visit the Texas Education Agency’s web site:
TCU School District Partners
Field Experience Forms
Clinical Teaching Forms