Year-long student teaching

What is Year-Long Student Teaching?

West Chester University and several local school districts partner in offering Year-Long Student Teaching for seniors in the Early Grades Preparation, Middle Grades Preparation, and Special Education Double Major programs. Students apply as juniors to spend senior year matched with a classroom teacher, completing three half days a week in the fall semester and five full days a week in the spring semester in the same K-8 classroom.

When do we attend an Information Session for the Year-Long Student Teaching program?

Information sessions are held three times each fall semester. Interested EGP, MGP, and Special Education double majors may attend the information sessions earlier than junior year to learn about the program and hear from current participants. Students planning to apply must attend an Information Session in fall of junior year.

How do I apply for the Year-Long Student Teaching program?

When you attend an information session in the fall of junior year, you will receive the application link. The application will be due January 15 of your junior year.

Which courses will I enroll in during my senior year if I am participating in the Year-Long Student Teaching program?

Students should save the following courses for fall of senior year if they are planning to participate in the year-long student teaching program program.

EGP majors: EDR 317 (6 cr.), EGP 400, EGP 402, and EGP 335 or EDA 303

MGP majors: EDR 318 (6 cr.), ERM 354, MGP 335, and SCE 330 or EDA 303

What additional time commitment is required in the Year-Long Student Teaching program?

Participants should attend the first day of school at their placement if their fall course schedule allows.  In addition, they will be spending three additional hours per week in their classroom in the fall semester (to be arranged with the mentor teacher).

What activities will I participate in that I would miss if I were a spring traditional student teacher?

Year-Long Student Teachers can help set up the classroom in August, attend the first day of school, Back-to-School Night, and fall parent-teacher conferences. Our spring student teachers do not have any of those experiences when completing traditional student teaching in late January through mid-May.

Who can I speak with if I have specific questions about the program?

Dr. Tina Selvaggi, Student Teaching Coordinator for the Department of Early and Middle Grades Education, can discuss specific questions you might have. In addition, Ms. Lainie Harkins, Associate Director of the Office of Clinical Experiences is also available to discuss the Year-Long Student Teaching program.

Our contact information is:

Dr. Tina Selvaggi tselvaggi@wcupa.edu (610) 436-2879

Ms. Lainie Harkins lharkins@wcupa.edu (610) 436-3452