Yes, in most cases, student teaching is required to become a licensed teacher. This includes completing a certain number of hours in a classroom setting under the supervision of a certified teacher.
A more thorough response to your query
Yes, in most cases, student teaching is required to become a licensed teacher. This involves spending a significant amount of time observing and teaching in a classroom under the guidance of a certified teacher. As the National Education Association (NEA) states, “student teaching is the culminating experience of a teacher education program.”
According to the NEA, student teaching typically lasts anywhere from a semester to a year, depending on the program and state requirements. During this time, prospective teachers have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice and learn from experienced educators.
A study by the National Council on Teacher Quality found that all 50 states and the District of Columbia require some form of student teaching for teacher licensure. Some states even have additional requirements beyond student teaching, such as passing certain exams or completing additional coursework.
In addition to fulfilling licensure requirements, student teaching can also greatly benefit future teachers. As renowned educator John Dewey once said, “There is an intimate and necessary relation between the processes of actual experience and education.” By gaining hands-on experience in the classroom, student teachers can better understand the realities of teaching and develop their own teaching style.
Here is a table summarizing the student teaching requirements for each state in the United States:
State | Required Hours of Student Teaching | Other Requirements |
---|---|---|
Alabama | 12 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Alaska | 12 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Arizona | 12 weeks | Pass subject area |
Arkansas | 12 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
California | 12-16 weeks | Pass exams |
Colorado | 16 weeks | Pass state exam |
Connecticut | 10-15 weeks | Pass exams |
Delaware | 14 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Florida | 8-16 weeks | Pass state exams |
Georgia | 15 weeks | Pass GaPSC exam |
Hawaii | 14 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Idaho | 10-20 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Illinois | 17 weeks | Pass state tests |
Indiana | 16 weeks | Pass CORE exams |
Iowa | 12 weeks | Pass state tests |
Kansas | 10-12 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Kentucky | 10-16 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Louisiana | 12-16 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Maine | 14 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Maryland | 12 weeks | Pass state tests |
Massachusetts | 12-16 weeks | Pass state tests |
Michigan | 12-15 weeks | Pass MTTC exams |
Minnesota | 12-16 weeks | Pass MTLE exams |
Mississippi | 12 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Missouri | 12-16 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Montana | 12-16 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Nebraska | 12-16 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Nevada | 8-16 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
New Hampshire | 10-15 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
New Jersey | 12-20 weeks | Pass state tests |
New Mexico | 12-16 weeks | Pass NMTA exams |
New York | 15 weeks | Pass state exams |
North Carolina | 10 weeks | Pass state exams |
North Dakota | 12 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Ohio | 12-16 weeks | Pass state tests |
Oklahoma | 12-16 weeks | Pass state tests |
Oregon | 12-16 weeks | Pass ORELA exams |
Pennsylvania | 12-16 weeks | Pass PAPA exams |
Rhode Island | 12-16 weeks | Pass state tests |
South Carolina | 12-16 weeks | Pass Praxis exams |
South Dakota | 12 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Tennessee | 15 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Texas | 12-16 weeks | Pass state tests |
Utah | 12-16 weeks | Pass state tests |
Vermont | 10-18 weeks | Pass exams |
Virginia | 10-15 weeks | Pass state exams |
Washington | 12-16 weeks | Pass WEST exams |
West Virginia | 12-16 weeks | Pass Praxis test |
Wisconsin | 14 weeks | Pass state exams |
Wyoming | 12 weeks | Pass Praxis exam |
Overall, student teaching is a rigorous but rewarding experience for aspiring teachers. Not only is it required for licensure in most states, but it also provides valuable real-world experience and opportunities for professional growth.
There are additional viewpoints
Common Requirements Most states also require a period of student teaching. This may also be called mentored teaching or classroom experience. Typically, this is completed at the end of your teacher preparation program, before you graduate.
Key takeaways:
- It typically takes four to five years to become a teacher, since most teaching jobs require a four-year bachelor’s degree.
- To become a teacher, you’ll most likely need to earn a bachelor’s degree, get student-teaching experience and earn a teaching certificate or license.
- Teachers in the United States earn around $57,220 per year, and the occupation is expected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031.
See the answer to “Do you need student teaching to be a teacher?” in this video
A real teacher provides seven top tips and advice for student teachers. Firstly, she emphasizes being open to feedback and taking criticism as a chance to learn and grow. Secondly, she suggests making good first impressions with school staff. She also recommends asking questions, observing and taking notes, developing one’s own teaching style, and sitting in on other classes to learn from different teachers. The teacher advises student teachers to avoid mimicking their mentor teacher and to watch her other video for more top tips on becoming a teacher.
Also, individuals are curious
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. You must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program.
- Pass Certification Exams.
- Submit a State Application.
- Complete Fingerprinting.