Student Teaching

Student Teaching: The Basics

A candidate (student teacher) is placed in a partner public school or public charter school under a clear-credentialed teacher (cooperating teacher). The student teacher initially shadows the cooperating teacher, gaining more responsibility in teaching the class as the weeks progress. Specific benchmarks are included in detail in the Student Teacher Handbook.  Eventually, the student teacher will assume all teaching responsibilities for the class, including class management, lesson planning, assessment, and grading. Depending on the school's availability, student teachers may change grade levels halfway through the semester or be allowed to remain in a single classroom for the full semester. Student teaching is an unpaid semester-long assignment with a cooperating teacher.  This “semester” mirrors the assigned public school’s semester/calendar dates, not necessarily LAPU’s term.  

Requirements for Student Teaching

• You must meet Subject Matter Competency. 

You can either:

• Possess a qualifying Bachelor's Degree (check with your Credential Analyst or Coach)

• pass the three Multiple Subject CSET subtests by the date mentioned in your Clinical Practice acceptance email (this varies each semester, but your Credential Analyst will let you know).

• Have a combination of tests and coursework (check with your Coach / Credential Analyst)

• You must complete all prerequisite EDUC courses and maintain a 3.0 in your credential courses by the start of your Clinical Practice semester.

• You can either:

  • • • • pass HIST 420 course at APU Global with a grade of C or better over the upcoming semester

        • pass the US Constitution Exam through Notre Dame de Namur University https://usconstitutionexam.com/. Please read the exam site for fees and retake policies.

• Possess a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university (unless you are enrolled in LAPU’s BALBC Program).

• Possess a Certificate of Clearance

• Submit Student Teaching Application to the Credential Team prior to student teaching (two deadlines per year).

The Basics of Student Teaching

Is student teaching the same as an internship?

• No. Student Teaching (one pathway for Clinical Practice) is an unpaid role where you work under a Cooperating host Teacher in their classroom. An Internship is a paid role where you are the "Teacher of Record" (the lead teacher) while still in school.

How many hours of student teaching do I need?

• You are required to Student Teach for the length of your host-school's semester. Note: This will not coincide with LAPU's terms. 

Financial Support

Do I get paid for student teaching?

• No. Student teaching is unpaid. 

Are there other grants available?

• Yes! There are grants availble to help defray the cost of Student Teaching. Your Coach and Credential Analyst will discuss this with you after your acceptance.

Exams and Requirements

Do I still have to take the CBEST?

• As of 2024–2025 legislation, if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, you have officially met the Basic Skills Requirement. You no longer need to take the CBEST unless your specific university program requires it for admission.

What is the TPA, and when do I take it?

• The Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) is a series of "cycles" where you submit a video of your teaching and written reflections. Most students complete Cycle 1 during the first half of their clinical placement and Cycle 2 during the second half of their placement. You can read more about CalTPAs here.

What happened to the RICA?

• For Multiple Subject and Special Education candidates, the RICA is being phased out and replaced by a Literacy TPA (effective July 1, 2025). If you are student teaching in 2026, you will likely be taking the new Literacy performance assessment instead of the old RICA exam. If you have further questions about the RICA, please contact your Credential Analyst or Assistant Dean.

Placement and Logistics

Can I choose the school where I student teach?

• At APU Global, we ask for your top three district preferences when you apply to do your clinical practice. We then work to ensure that we have a Memorandum of Understanding (a legal agreement) with the district and that there is availability for a Cooperating (Mentor) Teacher to supervise your work. Typically, we are able to place candidates in one of their top three districts, but this depends largely on the district's willingness to partner and the availability of mentor / cooperating teachers.

Can I work another job while student teaching?

• It is highly discouraged, especially during your clinical practice semester. You will be at the school site from approximately 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, plus evening seminars and lesson planning. Grants and funding may be available. 

Post Student Teaching

What is a "Preliminary Credential"?

• Once you finish student teaching, pass your TPAs, and graduate, your university will recommend you for a Preliminary Credential. This is valid for 5 years. During your first two years of teaching, you will complete an "Induction" program to earn your Clear Credential.