Student Teaching

What is Student Teaching?

Student teaching is the culminating experience of a teacher candidate’s education program—a transformative period where theory meets practice.

During this time, student teachers have the opportunity to:

  • Observe experienced educators in real classroom settings

  • Apply educational theories learned through coursework

  • Demonstrate professional dispositions essential to the teaching profession

  • Practice teaching strategies and classroom management skills

  • Engage with diverse learners in a supportive, inclusive environment

Student teaching is more than just a requirement—it's a collaborative journey. At Kent State University, this experience is built on a strong partnership between Mentor Teachers, University Supervisors, and Student Teachers. Together, they form a support system that nurtures growth, confidence, and readiness for a successful teaching career.

 

⚠️ Important Update: Pre-Service Teacher Permit Requirement

Effective July 1, 2024, any individual enrolled in a course that is part of an Educator Preparation Program and placed in a PK–12 classroom for Field Experience or Student Teaching must obtain a valid Pre-Service Teacher Permit before entering any school setting.

This requirement applies to all candidates participating in classroom-based experiences as part of their program.

✅ What This Means for You:

  • If your course includes time in a PK–12 classroom, you must have your Pre-Service Teacher Permit in place prior to beginning your field placement or student teaching.

  • This applies to both Field Experience and Student Teaching assignments.

We strongly recommend that students begin the permit application process as early as possible to avoid delays.

For details on how to apply, please visit our Pre-Service Teacher Permit Information Page or contact the Clinical Experience Office with any questions.

Pre Service Permit Process

 
Pre-Service Permit Steps

 

Step 1 - Get your BCI and FBI Background check
  • Use code 3319.291 for both BCI and FBI Background checks.
  • The background check cannot be older than 365 days. If your background check is nearing expiration, it may expire before issuance of the pre-service teacher permit.
  • Background checks must be sent electronically to the State Board of Education. We recommend you have a copy sent to yourself for your records.
    Fingerprinting can be on the second floor of White Hall in the Instructional Resource Center (IRC) by using this link or going to any other WebCheck location that does background checks.
     
Step 2: Create an OHID account and apply for your Educator State ID Number
  • Register for your OHID account at OHID. Select ‘Create OHID Account.
  • Click on the ‘App Store’ icon at the top of the page
  • Click on ‘Educator Licensure and Records (CORE) App. (Request access if needed)
  • Apply for your Educator State ID Number
Step 3: Complete the pre-permit application on the EHHS Student Portal

You MUST register on the EHHS student portal so that Kent State University can approve your application.

 

Step 4: Complete the Pre-Service Teacher Permit application through your OHID account
  • After you have completed the pre-permit application through the EHHS Student Portal, apply for your Pre-service Teacher Permit through the State Board of Education.
    • Log in to your OHID account.
    • Open the CORE App
    • Select ‘Apply for a NEW Credential,’ then select ‘Teacher’ and ‘Pre-Service Teacher Permit- 3 Years

APPLY FOR STUDENT TEACHING

ProgramsApplying SemesterFor Placement SemesterApplication Window
MAT/SEEDSpring 2025Spring 20263/10/25-3/31/25
MCLSSpring 2025Spring 20263/10/25-3/31/25
ECED (BLKV), MUED, ARTE, MCED, PEP/HPE/SHED, TESL, ASEI, DFED, SPED, SLPSpring 2025Spring 20264/1/25-4/25/25

 

Student Teaching Application

 

Out-of-State Student Teaching

  • Application for Out-of-State Student Teaching
  • For all teacher education majors except Deaf Education and Educational Interpreting, there is a $130 placement fee (payable to KSU)
  • At one of the following three locations:
    • Collier/Lee Counties Florida
    • Paradise Valley, Arizona
    • Clear Creek ISD, Texas

Student Teaching at an Out-of-State School for Deaf Ed and ASEI Student Interpreters

  • Deaf Ed Application for Out of State
  • For ASL/ English Interpreting Students going to an out of state placement, please use the Application for ASL/English Interpreting out of state
  • Students should complete the out of state application above after meeting with your program adviser to determine if  the program will allow you to attend an out of state placement.
  • For Deaf Education and Education Interpreting candidates who are assigned to an Out-of-State placement by the university, there are NO STUDENT FEES.  However, students who willfully elect to be placed out-of-state in lieu of being placed at an available partnering district within Ohio, a fee of $130 will be required (payable to KSU), along with completion of all necessary documents.

Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching  (C.O.S.T.)

 

 

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