Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to student teach in Philadelphia?

No. The College has relationships with school districts across the region. You can teach in an urban or suburban environment. You should be aware, however, that the largest number of available placements is in the School District of Philadelphia. We have many students to place each semester, and we compete with many other colleges in the region. If a placement you request in a desired suburban district is either not feasible or available, we can usually guarantee you a placement in Philadelphia.

Are cooperating schools only in Philadelphia?

No. We have cooperating schools in several other school districts, including at this time Norristown and William Penn.

When will I hear about my student teaching placement?

Since quite a few students only complete all their eligibility requirements during the semester immediately proceeding student teaching, you may not hear until the end of the semester or even later. We will send out your applications much earlier, but we cannot confirm your placement until you have fulfilled all eligibility requirements, including taking the Praxis II. However, notification will not take place before May for fall 2006 placements.

How will I hear about my placement?

You will be notified via e-mail as soon as we confirm that you are eligible to student teach and we have confirmation of your placement.

Will I be consulted if my preferred choices are not available?

If we cannot place you in the schools you have selected, we will make every effort to consult with you before you are placed elsewhere. Because of various school district timelines, however, and because we want to make sure that all of our students are placed in a timely fashion, we cannot guarantee that we will consult with you.

What if I change my mind during the semester and want to request a different placement?

In general, we discourage students from requesting a change in placement once you have submitted your application. We will make exceptions, however, for students who did not request to stay in the schools in which they completed their practicum(a) and decide they would like to stay in those schools.

As the College of Education continues to respond to feedback from students and the field and make changes to improve its teacher preparation program and the clinical practices that support it, considerable coordination is required. As you begin the application to student teach, please bear this in mind and provide as complete and accurate information as possible.