Undergraduate Student Teaching FAQs

When do I apply to student teach?

You will need to apply at least 1 - 1 ½ years prior to student teaching. Each department will post the date of the application meeting.

What are the requirements needed to apply for student teaching?

You should consult your department coordinator because departments have different requirements. [Secondary education students should consult with their subject matter departments and the secondary education department.] General information on requirements can be obtained by consulting the student handbook.

Can I request a specific district and/or teacher?

No, but consideration will be given for hardship. This can be accomplished be submitting a Personal Hardship Waiver form obtained through your educational department.

What is the minimum GPA I need for student teaching?

The required minimum GPA is 2.75 as required by The College of New Jersey.

If my GPA is below the minimum, can I still apply to student teach?

If your GPA is between 2.70 - 2.749, you can apply for an Academic Standing Waiver form through your department.This waiver is subject to review by your Chairpersons, Coordinators, STEP Office Director and the School of Education Dean. [Secondary education students should consult with their subject matter departments and the secondary education department.]

If I have questions regarding my qualifications to student teach who should I ask?

Any questions regarding your academic qualifications should be referred to your department coordinator.

When is it too late to apply for student teaching?

Late registration for student teaching may result in a late placement. A late placement may require you to student teach in a school district beyond the end of the college semester.

Does TCNJ provide transportation for student teaching?

Students are responsible for their own transportation during student teaching. You can arrange for carpooling with other students if you have transportation problems.

When will I be advised of my placement?

School districts are requested to complete the application forms and return them to the STEP Office within 30 days of issuance. The STEP Office will begin to inform students of their placements beginning in April. Students will continue to be informed about placements prior to the beginning of the semester they are to begin. Understand that placements can be as late as one week prior to the beginning of the experience. However this is not the norm. Every effort will be made to contact school districts in a timely matter so students can prepare for their student teaching experience.

What if I have a problem with my placement?

You must consult with your department coordinator. Based upon the recommendation of the department coordinator, the STEP Office may issue an alternate placement. However, the final decision will be made by the STEP Office.

When should I receive my Mantoux test?

You should have a Mantoux test within 6 months prior to the Junior Field Experience. If you student teach the semester following your Junior Field Experience, no additional testing will be necessary. However if there is a lapse of time between the Junior Field Experience and student teaching experience, you will need to be tested again prior to student teaching.

Does TCNJ administer Mantoux testing?

WHEN: Yes. 2 clinics are scheduled by the STEP Office - one for Fall and one for Spring.

WHERE: Health Services

COST: $5.00/test

Copies of the results will be forwarded to the STEP Office from Health Services if administered during the scheduled clinic dates. If the test is NOT administered through the clinic, you must forward a copy to the STEP Office. Keep the original with you in the event the school nurse requests verification of the Mantoux test.