This information pertains to full-time undergraduates pursuing teacher certification. Part-time students who are unable to complete the extensive fieldwork required for recommendation for certification enroll in a non-field experience program upon completion of their undergraduate studies.

Drexel’s School of Education is well known for its outstanding field-based experiences that include a range of formal, school and community activities. These experiences give students invaluable first-hand exposure to the classroom and the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned.

Student teaching experiences offered as part of the professional career development support services at Drexel University pertains to full-time undergraduates pursuing teacher certification. Part-time students who are unable to complete the extensive fieldwork required for recommendation for certification enroll in a n on-field experience program upon completion of their undergraduate studies.

Student Teaching Opportunities - Pennsylvania

Almost every pedagogy course requires at least one clinical, field-based experience. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires 190 hours of pre-service experiences prior to student teaching.

Past partners where Drexel students have taught during their time in the School of Education include but are not limited to:

• Science Leadership Academy
• Meredith Elementary School
• Bache Martin Elementary School
• School of the Future
• String Theory Schools

Student Teaching Portfolios

From the initial courses in the education program through the student teaching experience, students develop a professional portfolio containing artifacts from their field experiences that demonstrate evidence of their work and growth as teachers.

Stage I: Observation 

Students observe actively and assist classroom teachers where needed, whether that involves helping to coordinate classroom activities or supporting an individual learner. Students maintain an observation log with written reflections and meet weekly with their course instructor to discuss their experiences.

Stage II: Exploration 

Also known as the assistant phase, students work with small groups as well as individuals. They learn about the school community and carefully follow school policies and regulations. As in the first stage, students maintain a log and connect theory to practice through their linked Drexel courses.

Stage III: Pre-Student Teaching 

At this more evolved stage, students further their skills in teaching small-group and whole-group lessons under the supervision of a certified classroom teacher. At least one of the placements at this stage will be in an inclusive setting. Students acquire a wide range of skills from applying research-based pedagogy to classroom management and discipline.

Stage IV: Student Teaching 

During this full-time, 24-week final field placement in a carefully selected school, students work under the immediate supervision of a highly competent cooperating teacher and a Drexel University field supervisor as well as under the general supervision of the Drexel University field experience coordinator. This experience approximates full-time teaching and provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate everything they have learned. This phase demands a full teaching load. As a representative of the university and the teaching profession, the student teacher functions as a full-time staff member of the school and is expected to uphold the highest level of personal and professional standards and ethics. Students may submit a request to the Field Placement Office to be placed in a specific school district.

In addition to the field experience, full-time on-campus undergraduate students are required to complete a co-op experience.