Admission to Student Teaching
Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program at the end of the sophomore year does not automatically permit one to pursue student teaching as a senior student. However, students who have not been admitted to the Teacher Education Program by March 15 of their junior year will not be considered for student teaching. All teaching candidates in K-8, K-12, and 5-12 programs must apply for admission to student teaching.
Students must meet the following criteria:
- Receive an acceptable rating on the appropriate ETS Praxis Subject Knowledge Test on the Montana Assessment of Content Knowledge Assessment;
- A minimum 2.65 grade point average (GPA) in Major Program Requirements and in Other Program Requirements, and a minimum 2.65 GPA in Professional Education Requirements. A minimum 2.65 GPA in Minor Program Requirements and in Other Program Requirements, and a minimum 2.65 GPA in Professional Education Requirements in each 5-12 or K-12 minor area. Elementary Education (K-8) candidates must have a minimum 2.65 GPA in Elementary Education Content Coursework GPA on the Montana Assessment for Content Knowledge Verification;
- All Major and Minor Program Requirements, Professional Education Requirements and Other Program Requirements must be completed, with a grade of “C-” or better. (Students should note that if a majority of coursework in these areas have grades of C-, they will not likely meet the 2.65 GPA requirements addressed above.);
In addition, students will be assessed based on the following:
- Application to student teaching;
- Positive faculty evaluation; and
- Positive previous K-12 field experiences.
Application must be made to the Department of Education no later than March 15 of the junior year. Failure to do so will cancel the student’s opportunity to student teach during the fall and spring semesters of the following school year. It is the student’s responsibility to seek admission to the student teaching program.