prospective students

Internship Requirements

College of Education, Sport, and Human SciencesInternship Requirements – Prospective Students

Internship Requirements – Prospective Students

Introduction

Welcome to the Student Teaching Internship at Washington State University (WSU). This internship is a capstone experience designed to provide preservice teachers with hands-on teaching practice under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers. Below is key information to help you navigate your internship successfully.

Internship Overview

The internship is a full-time, supervised experience where teacher candidates work closely with mentor teachers and university field supervisors. It is designed to help you develop the skills necessary to become an effective educator.

School Assignment:

The regional field coordinator places teacher candidates in local school districts. Placements are made to ensure there are no conflicts of interest, such as relatives employed at the same school.

Placement Calendar:

Teacher candidates follow the public school’s calendar, not the university calendar. The internship starts on the first day of the school district calendar following summer or winter break and ends on the last day of WSU finals week.

Required Hours:

Teacher candidates must complete 450+ hours in their assigned classroom during the semester.

Attendance and Communication:

Teacher candidates are expected to follow teacher contract hours, typically starting 30 minutes before the first bell and ending 30 minutes after the last bell.

Seminar:

Teacher candidates attend scheduled internship seminars and complete assignments as required.

Transportation:

Teacher candidates are responsible for transportation to and from the field experience site.

prospective students

WSU Identification Badge:

Teacher candidates are required to purchase a WSU identification badge from Cougar Card Services. The cost is $10.

Liability Insurance:

Proof of liability insurance must be on file before beginning the internship. Insurance can be purchased online.

Living in Pullman

Pre-Residency Clearance:

All teacher candidates must have clearance for pre-residency certificates. Detailed directions are available online.

Fingerprint Clearance:

All teacher candidates must have FBI fingerprint clearance. More information is available online.

For more detailed information, refer to the Internship Handbook provided prior to your field experience. If you have any questions or would like a copy of the handbook, please contact the Office of Field Services and Certification.

Contact Information

Office of Field Services and Certification

Washington State University College of Education
PO BOX 642114, Pullman, WA 99164-2114
Cleveland Hall, Room 252
Phone: 509-335-0925
Email: ceshs.fieldcert@wsu.edu
Website: WSU Field Services