The professional semester is the culmination of preparation for teaching. It includes student teaching, a seminar, and a classroom project. Those seeking admission to student teaching must meet the criteria as set forth in the Gates Assessment System.

Student teaching involves  all-day participation for a full 15 weeks in the assigned schools. The student teacher is expected to participate in all of the activities expected of the professional teacher. Because of the high emotional and physical demands this places on the student teacher, additional coursework is discouraged during student teaching. For the same reason students are discouraged from being involved in outside employment during student teaching.  If for circumstances beyond the control of the student, coursework must be taken, approval from the Dean of the Education Department must be requested.  College athletes may participate in student teaching only during their off season(s).

The student teaching experience must be completed in a different school district than any of the two previous field experiences unless permission has been obtained from the Director of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships.  Teacher candidates are asked to inform the Director of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships if placements are in districts or schools which may be prejudicial situations; i.e., a close relative works there, the student recently graduated from that school, or the teacher candidate has children enrolled in the school.

These experiences occur in public or private schools where teacher candidates are involved in observations of master teachers and participate in activities that enhance lessons and assist teachers. Actual practice teaching is encouraged and planned according to the requirements of the specific field course/s. Teacher candidates will have opportunities to demonstrate their ability to perform in authentic settings.

Teacher candidates spend substantial time in field classrooms and other field experiences such as tutoring at every step of the program. A minimum of 150 hours is given to field experiences before student teaching. The field schools and classrooms are carefully selected to provide students the opportunity to work with master teachers in inclusive classes and in a variety of settings including the following diversities: cultural, socio-economic, racial, and special needs.