Internship FAQ
Q: How long is the student teaching internship?
A: The student teaching internship is 12 weeks long.
Q: What are the expected days and hours for my internship?
A: Your internship will begin on the same day your cooperating teacher’s contract starts. You are expected to be present for the entirety of your cooperating teacher’s contract hours and follow the daily schedule of your assigned school. This includes participation in in-service days, parent-teacher conferences, staff meetings, and other school-related activities.
Q: Will I need to take classes during my student teaching semester?
A: While you will not be enrolled in traditional coursework, you are required to participate in a weekly seminar conducted via Zoom throughout the student teaching semester. These sessions focus on lesson planning, teaching feedback, preparation of your teaching portfolio, and support from your peers and instructor.
In addition to the weekly seminars, you must also attend two all-day seminars—one held prior to the start of student teaching and another at the conclusion of the semester. These sessions provide essential information on expectations, policies, and certification procedures, and address any student questions. Attendance at both all-day seminars is mandatory, and they are typically scheduled from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Q: Can I choose my own placement?
A: While placement decisions are coordinated by the Office of Field Experience, you will have the opportunity to indicate your preferences—including district, school, and cooperating teacher—on your placement form. Although we cannot guarantee your preferred placement, we will make every effort to accommodate your requests and ensure a suitable match.
Q: Is it possible to complete my student teaching outside of Idaho?
A: Yes. Many students have completed their internships in other states. If you are interested in an out-of-state placement, please indicate your preference clearly on your placement form before submission.
Q: I’ve been offered a teaching position before my internship. Can I accept the offer and still fulfill my internship requirement?
A: In many cases, yes. If you are offered a full-time teaching position in your certification area, contact the Office of Field Experience right away to review your eligibility and determine the next steps to complete your internship within your own classroom.
Q: Can I substitute teach during my student teaching placement?
A: Yes, you are allowed to substitute teach within your assigned placement classroom. We encourage student teachers to apply for substitute teaching positions with their respective school districts. This allows you to receive compensation from the district when teaching in your classroom in the event that your Cooperating Teacher must be absent.
Q: Is funding available during the student teaching internship?
A: Some funding may be available through the CPI program if all student teaching eligibility requirements are met before the deadline (April 1 for Fall candidates, October 1 for Spring candidates). If you are eligible and would like to apply for funding, please reach out to the Kent Center (kentcenter@isu.edu).
Q: What should I do if I become ill or have an emergency during my internship?
A: Student teachers are allowed three sick days during the internship period. If you need to be absent, notify your cooperating teacher and the Field Experience Coordinator as soon as possible. Any absences beyond the initial three days must be made up after the official end of the internship to fulfill your program requirements.
Q: Will I be evaluated during the internship?
A: Yes. You will be observed and evaluated by your university supervisor and cooperating teacher based on state and program-specific performance standards. You will also submit lesson plans, reflections, and components of the Teacher Education Portfolio throughout the semester in your Student Teaching Seminar. These evaluations are critical to your successful completion of the internship.
Q: Can I work another job while completing my internship?
A: Student teaching is a full-time commitment and can be very demanding. Outside employment is strongly discouraged during the internship unless absolutely necessary, as it may interfere with your performance and availability.
Q: What should I wear to my placement?
A: You are expected to dress professionally and in accordance with your school’s dress code. Business casual is typically appropriate unless otherwise advised by your placement site. Please see the Educator Preparation Clinical Handbook for more detailed guidelines.
Q: Can I request a change in placement once the internship begins?
A: Placement changes are rare and only considered under extraordinary circumstances. If you are experiencing difficulties, communicate with your university supervisor and the Director of Clinical Experience as early as possible.
Q: What kind of support will I receive during my internship?
A: You will be supported by the staff of the Office of Field Experience, your cooperating teacher, university supervisor, seminar instructor, and academic advisor. Regular check-ins, classroom observations, and feedback will be provided to help you grow as a professional educator.