Student teaching is the capstone field experience where teacher candidates teach in a classroom to learn about the role of the teacher in depth. Teacher candidates plan units and lessons, create a safe learning environment, develop formative and summative assessments, and engage with the larger school community during this semester- or year-long experience (depending on the teacher preparation program). For qualified individuals interested in studying abroad, we offer a full semester student teaching in Greece or Spain.
The University of Delaware has implemented a coteaching model for student teaching in our Early Childhood Education and K-8 Teacher Education programs.
The clinical educators and teacher candidates form a professional partnership as they collaborate as coteachers during the student teaching experience. They collectively share the responsibilities of the classroom, placing a central emphasis on student learning. Coteaching provides opportunities for coteachers to work side-by-side while reflecting on their shared teaching practice. To learn more about our co-teaching model, visit the Office of Clinical Studies and read the UDaily article, “Collaborative Teaching.”

Students will learn more about student teaching the semester prior during a pre-student teaching orientation.  Student teaching materials will be available to students in Canvas.
Information and materials for Clinical Educators and Field Instructors are updated each semester and distributed by the student teaching coordinator.

The Office of Clinical Studies (OCS) can assist you with the following TB and criminal background history clearances. The OCS website describes the services that they provide and information related to field experiences. Questions can be e-mailed to clinicalstudies@udel.edu.

TB Testing

All student teachers must show written proof of a negative PPD (Mantoux) Tuberculin Test within one year of their placement. Students may have the test administered by their physician, a public health clinic, or at the Student Health Center on campus. There is a $5.00 charge to students who have this service performed at the health center. If you use an off campus site, the results must submitted to the Student Health Center so that the Office of Clinical Studies can clear you for student teaching.

Criminal Background Check

Prior to all field experiences, students will need to complete a federal criminal background check by the first day of the applicable semester.  Information for background clearances can be found at  Office of Clinical Studies website.