Directed Student Teaching is the culmination of the teacher education program at Aquinas College. This is a minimum fourteen-week “successful” internship in an elementary or secondary school under the direct supervision of an experienced certified teacher. Longer placements will be required for students completing a “K-12” major. Seminars and weekly journal writing, assigned readings, and full-time teaching are requirements for successful completion of Directed Student Teaching.

Prerequisite: cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and completion of all education, major, minor and general education coursework requirements, plus the approval by the School of Education. In addition, a grade of "C" or better must be achieved in all major, minor and education courses. Also, the State of Michigan Basic Skills Competency Tests must be passed before student teaching can begin.

Students must apply for Directed Student Teaching. Pre-applications must be filed in the School of Education prior to receiving the Directed Student Teaching application. Applicants will be required to submit a “Philosophy of Education” and resume along with other required forms. Completed Directed Student Teaching Applications are due in the School of Education by 4 p.m. on the following dates:

September 15 for a spring semester assignment*
January 15 for a fall semester assignment*

* If the fifteenth falls on a day the college is closed, the deadline will be 4 p.m. on the next business day.

PLEASE NOTE: Students turning in late applications will be assessed a non-refundable $150 late fee. Late applications are not guaranteed consideration for a placement for the desired semester. No applications for Directed Student Teaching will be accepted after 10 business days of the application deadline.

A screening committee comprised of the education faculty and staff audit all applications. An applicant's status may be "approved," "conditionally approved" or "denied." Approvals are based on the observed field experiences, academic performance, and other relevant factors necessary for a successful directed student teaching experience.

Low Grades, "Incompletes" or "No Credits" in required classes will result in an automatic denial.  Refer to policy on “Incomplete” and “No Credit” grades.

Prospective student teachers may indicate placement preferences with the Director of Student Teaching. The Director of Student Teaching, or Aquinas College School of Education designee arrange all placements.

Students are not to contact schools or teachers to set up their own placements---doing so will put the placement at risk.