Practicum
Texas A&M University–Central Texas students participate in practicum/field experience in local school districts each semester. Practicum are connected to the concepts being taught in the Educator Preparation Program courses. These practicum allow students an opportunity to work with groups of diverse students at several developmental levels.
Students must adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators and TAMUCT Code of Student Conduct at all times. Additionally, students must dress in accordance with the respective school district's dress code.
Undergraduate Clinical Teaching Types
There are two routes for Clinical Teaching at the undergraduate level. The route is based on the student degree path, not personal choice.
- Traditional Clinical Teaching
- Yearlong Residency
This route requires departmental approval and is in place primarily for Education Minor students.
This will consist of 5 clinical days a week (excluding holidays). The required duration of a clinical teaching assignment shall be a minimum of 490 hours that is not less than an average of 4 hours each day in the subject area and grade level of certification sought, including planning periods but not including lunch periods. This will include at least 16 weeks.
The residency will include a minimum of one full school year of clinical experience, including the first and last instructional days with students, in a classroom supervised by a host teacher in the classroom teacher assignment or assignments that match the certification category or categories for which the candidate is prepared by the EPP;
The residency clinical experience must meet a minimum of 750 hours in total, with a minimum of 21 hours per week during a school week that does not include school district or campus closures or disruptions (e.g., inclement weather, holidays). This route will consist of approximately 3 clinical days a week for one semester and approximately 4 clinical days in semester two.
Graduate Clinical Teaching / Internship Types
There are two pathways for ACP/MAT candidates at the graduate level: clinical teaching or internship. Both routes require department approval.
- Internship
- Traditional Clinical Teaching
During the yearlong paid internship, the candidate is employed by the district within an approximate 60-mile radius, paid as a first-year teacher, eligible for benefits, and reported as the teacher of record for retirement purposes. The internship must occur in the teacher’s approved certification area. The intern will work under an Intern/Probationary Certificate and must be enrolled in the Internship courses, EDUC 5384/5385 during both semesters. To complete the intern certification, please see the EPS Canvas Page for more information.
This will consist of 5 clinical days a week (excluding holidays). The required duration of a clinical teaching assignment shall be a minimum of 490 hours that is not less than an average of 4 hours each day in the subject area and grade level of certification sought, including planning periods but not including lunch periods. This will include at least 16 weeks.
Pre-Practicum and Clinical Teaching Placements
Application for Clinical Teaching is made while enrolled in Professional Development Block II, well in advance to enable the establishment of appropriate settings for each student. Applications are due November 15th or June 1st one year prior to the semester in which the student plans to participate in clinical teaching. The EPS office assumes full responsibility for contacting the public schools regarding placement of clinical teachers.