Below are the requirements for enrolling in student teaching or practica courses at the College of Staten Island.

These requirements—and LOTS more info about the student teaching/practicum experience—can be found in the Student Teaching/Practicum Handbook.

What do I need before I student teach/start a practicum?

Candidates in initial teacher education programs at the College of Staten Island need to meet the following requirements in order to student teach/conduct a practicum. Candidates must have:

• Applied and been accepted into a teacher education program
• Maintained an overall GPA of 2.75. Below a 3.0 may require additional material
• Successfully completed all education courses in their program
• Received no less than a C+ in any education course
• Successfully completed 100 hours of fieldwork in a variety of settings including special education and a Title One school. Evaluation sheets and time sheets must be on file with the Office of Fieldwork.
• Taken and passed the College Proficiency Tests.
• Completed the College’s liberal arts core requirements.
• Please see Appendix for information about the NYS certification tests.

• Completed a minimum of 28 credits in Science, Letters, and Society; including SLS 218 and 261, or in an approved liberal arts subject.

• Completed a minimum of 28 credits in their subject area.

Please note as well that candidates need special permission to take more than one additional course while enrolled in student teaching/practicum and the accompanying seminar.

Candidates wishing to apply for student teaching must begin the process early during the previous semester. Deadlines are firm and candidates must gather required information well in advance. To apply for student teaching candidates must:

• Have completed all of the above requirements and be able to document it. Courses must appear on transcripts as completed or in progress. Timesheets must be on file with the Education Department.
• Complete and submit an application form to the Office of Fieldwork. These are available early each semester on TK20. Look for emails and flyers in September and February. The application process takes place the semester BEFORE student teaching.
• Complete and submit an application essay; steps to complete it are here. These will be shared with the building administrator and cooperating teacher at the assigned school.
• Gather 3 letters of recommendation from full-time education faculty. Adjunct faculty recommendations must be pre-approved with the Director of Fieldwork. Candidates in adolescence education must have one recommendation from a subject area professor.
• Check with the Health Center (1C-112, ext. 3045) to ensure compliance with current medical requirements, including a TB test. Note that you must first call the Health Center at 718-982-3045 to set up an apointment. You can pick up the necessary medical form at:
  • the Student Health Center in building 1C Room 112,
  • in room 3S-208,
  • or by clicking here.
• Attend a student teacher orientation session at the College.
• Interview with the Director of Fieldwork, or designee.

Questions?

If you have any questions about student teaching per se, contact:
    Joanne German
    Room 3S-209
    718-982-3715
    joanne.german@csi.cuny.edu