The student-teaching internship is a required component for our students in the BEST Minor program, providing real-world experience that connects educational theory with classroom practice. Under the guidance of mentor teachers and university supervisors, students develop instructional and classroom management skills in local schools, preparing them to lead their own classrooms with confidence.
Spanning 16 weeks, the student-teaching internship involves teaching lessons, observing and assisting mentor teachers, participating in lesson planning and grading, and becoming fully integrated members of the school faculty. Mentor teachers provide ongoing feedback and encouragement based on classroom observations, while university supervisors conduct formal evaluations to offer consistent guidance and support throughout the teaching development process.
BEST Student Teaching Handbook »
Internship Regulations
The University and the School of Education have established certain regulations that will help interns work more effectively with mentor teachers. Regulations require interns to adhere to the following:
- Observe the same hours required for teachers while on assignment in schools.
- Follow the local school calendar during the semester in place of the university’s calendar.
- Become a member of the school faculty throughout the student teaching internship. Participate in official school functions such as faculty meetings, in-service training programs, teacher workdays, parent meetings, etc.
Note: Interns may NOT serve as a substitute teacher for a licensed teacher without another licensed employee in the room. They may do the actual teaching, but cannot be paid if the University is in session.