Information for Teacher Candidates

In the final year of the teacher candidate program, the Office of Clinical Experience places candidates in a studio school location to complete their Practicum I and II experiences. For all certifications aside from Physical Education, Music and Art, candidates will complete both semesters at the same studio school. UMSL teacher candidates participate fully in the school experience, including, but not limited to: opening of school activities, Professional Development days, setting up classrooms, IEP meetings, parent/teacher conferences, field trips, etc.

In order to be accepted into Practicum I, candidates must complete a thorough application process (see the 6-Step Application section of the Practicum Application page). The application carries the candidates through to Practicum II. All supporting documentation must be scanned and uploaded to the COE portal, with the exception of the application, which is completed electronically. Please see 'Important Dates' for application deadlines. 

Choosing Your Practicum Site

The Clinical Experience Office sends the candidates surveys to complete prior to the start of the semester, asking them to rank the studio school options by preference and/or distance. Placements are ultimately selected by factoring in the survey results, available site openings as well as the timeframe in which practicum applications are submitted. Teacher candidates who submit their applications by the required date, making sure that all of the supporting documents are up to date, have a better opportunity at receiving their preferred studio school site. The Office of Clinical Experience will then email candidates with their site and designated consent number for registration. Any questions regarding the practicum process can be directed to the office's Student Support Specialists. 

Other Useful Information for Teacher Candidates

The Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) and the Missouri National Education Association (MNEA) offer a variety of benefits to teachers candidates now and throughout their careers after certification. Just a few of the incentives include:

• Legal protection and liability insurance (some school districts may require students to have this during practicum)

• Discounts and deals for hotels, car insurance, wireless companies, banks, stores and more

• Coaching, mentoring and training for certification

• Career assistance and Professional Development resources

 The College of Education strongly recommends and encourages our practicum candidates to use the following links and learn more about both organizations then select the one that best serves your needs:

The Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) - Free to join for students

Missouri National Education Association (MNEA) - $17 for students per school year