Elementary Education Requirements:
The Elementary Education Program of Study requires a sixteen (16) week student teaching capstone as a fulltime placement in grades K-8 with a qualified Mentor Teacher.
Secondary Education Requirements:
The Secondary Education Program of Study requires a sixteen (16) week student teaching capstone as a fulltime placement in grades 7-12 in their approved content area with a qualified Mentor Teacher.
Special Education Requirements:
The Special Education Program of Study requires a sixteen (16) week student teaching capstone as a fulltime placement in grades K-12 with a qualified Mentor Teacher.
- Three (3) of the five (5) following disability groups must be present in the classroom:
- Learning Disabilities
- Mental Retardation
- Physical Impairment
- Health Impairment
- Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities
- The classroom may be either Self-Contained, Inclusion, or Resource;
- If teaching in an Inclusion classroom at least 1/3 of the student population must be classified Special Education; and
- Three (3) of the five (5) disability groups must comprise 75% of the Teacher Candidate’s daily schedule.
Elementary Education/Special Education Dual Degree Requirements:
The Elementary/Special Education Program of Study requires two eight (8) week student teaching capstone sessions as a fulltime placement in grades K-8 (Elementary) and K-12 (Special Education) with a qualified Mentor Teacher.
Early Childhood Education Requirements:
The Early Childhood Education Program of Study requires two eight (8) week student teaching capstone sessions as a fulltime placement in grades Birth to Pre-School and K-3 with a qualified Mentor Teacher.
Mentor Teacher Qualifications:
A valid professional license with proper endorsement for the teaching assignment
Master’s degree
A minimum of three years teaching experience
Full recommendation of the building principal to serve as a Mentor Teacher
Desire and ability to work cooperatively with Teacher Candidates
Mentor Teachers are responsible for daily guidance and in collaboration with the GCU Supervisor completing four (4) collaborative observations throughout the placement. Mentor Teachers are entitled to a $500 stipend. Teacher Candidates will be assigned a GCU Supervisor obtained through the Office of Field Experience. The GCU Supervisor will act as a liaison between the Teacher Candidate, the Mentor Teacher, and the College of Education.