The student teaching experience is the culminating authentic assessment of this program.
As previously stated, the student teachers engage in a 26-week experience. During this
experience, student teachers are provided an opportunity for continuous contact with the same
group of students and school personnel in various phases of the total school program over a
relatively long period of time. Full-time student teaching placements provide an opportunity for
prospective teachers to acquire an understanding of the background and skills necessary to be
successful in their chosen field; gain a continuity of experience in the development of the
complex skills required to be teachers; and gain confidence in their professional competency. See
Appendix B for an elaboration of the expected duties of students while student teaching.