Disqualification of Student Teaches
In some cases, Student Teachers may struggle to meet the TPEs. In these cases, the University Supervisor will consult with the Cooperating Teacher to determine a higher level of support. If the Student Teacher continues to struggle after receiving a higher level of support from the University Supervisor and Cooperating Teacher, the University Supervisor will inform the Program Director and Dean of the College of Education for consideration of a Teacher Improvement Plan.
For Student Teachers who deserve a continuance, written recommendations and plans for improvement will be provided for them. Student Teachers will be given an opportunity to remedy any deficiencies. If the Student Teacher fails to meet their designated goals in a specific timeframe, they will not be allowed to progress in the program.
Student teachers are guests at the school site where they are placed. As such, Cooperating Teachers may terminate their commitment at any time. Cooperating Teachers are responsible for their TK-12 students. In cases where hosting Student Teachers takes away from serving students, Cooperating Teachers can re-focus their priorities on their students. Furthermore, the school administrator may, at any time, also exercise the prerogative of requesting that certain Student Teachers be relieved of student teaching responsibilities. Such cases will result in a “No Credit” final grade.
The option of another placement is based on the recommendations of the University Supervisor, Program Director, and/or Dean. This option is also based on the availability of alternative placements. It may be necessary for struggling Student Teachers to repeat the semester or terminate their participation in the credential program.
Disqualified Student Teachers may appeal a programmatic dismissal in accordance with the University’s Appeals Policy. This may include cases in which a “No Credit” grade results in dismissal from the credential program and/or when the student is not approved to repeat student teaching. Appeals must meet the requirements and timelines established in the University’s Appeals Policy.