Out of State and International Student Teaching General Information for UNI Students

What is Out of State and International Student Teaching?

Each semester, the Office of Student Field Experiences (OSFE) coordinates the placement of student teachers around the U.S. and around the world to complete their student teaching requirement. All students are required to complete 16 weeks of student teaching in their area of specialization (elementary education, secondary history, special education, etc.). Student teachers go out of state and/or internationally for anywhere from ten to 16 weeks. Sometimes an out of state and/or international experience is combined with an Iowa placement. In the past, students have been placed across the country, in South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. Each student placement is unique. UNI Out of State and International Program faculty and staff will work with you to design the best experience for your needs.

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How do I participate in the program?

First, you must make application and be eligible for student teaching. An important student teaching meeting called “Round Up” is scheduled the first two days of each semester. All teacher education candidates planning to student teach one year in the future must attend. You must apply and be accepted into Out of State and International Student Teaching. First, you must attend an information session on Out of State and International Student Teaching. These sessions are offered multiple times at the beginning of each semester. Watch for information on the sessions posted in the Schindler Education Center. You should attend an information session two semesters prior to your scheduled student teaching.

Following the information session, you may decide to apply. In addition to the application form there is other information that needs to be turned in and you must have two letters of recommendation submitted in support of your application. After you have submitted all of the materials you will be scheduled for an interview. At the interview, you must present a sound rationale for wanting to student teach outside of Iowa. You will be notified of your acceptance into the program by e-mail.

What happens after I'm accepted?

After you are accepted, you must participate in a preparation seminar called Seminar in Urban and International Student Teaching. This may be taken for credit. In addition you must enroll for the required course Human Relations prior to student teaching. The Human Relations class is an Iowa licensure requirement and is usually a co requisite with student teaching. However with out of state or international student teaching you generally you take these courses the semester before you student teach.

What types of schools participate in this program?

In the United States, student teachers are placed in urban, suburban, and rural schools around the country. Internationally, student teachers are placed in local, host country schools; U.S. Department of State “Overseas” schools and U.S. Department of Defense Dependents' schools.

What is a cooperating teacher?

Host schools identify a cooperating teacher with whom you will work very closely during your student teaching experience. Cooperating teachers help to prepare you for independent teaching during the experience and help you feel a part of the school community. Your cooperating teachers complete a mid-term and final evaluation of your performance.

How will I be supervised?

In addition to working with your cooperating teacher, an on site supervisor is identified. Supervisors visit and observe your teaching. Then they work with the cooperating teacher to evaluate and guide you. Also, you will be assigned to someone in the Out of State and International Student Teaching Program at UNI. You will stay in touch with that person every other week by e-mail, telephone, fax, or mail while you are student teaching.

Where will I live?

Every placement is different, but in each case the student is responsible for finding and paying for their own housing. Sometimes host schools assist with the search and arrange for home stays with teachers and students' families or coordinate housing in school dormitories where such facilities are available. This is not always possible and you must remember that ultimately you are responsible to locate and pay for housing.

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What are the costs for out of state and international student teaching?

There are no fees charged to UNI students for this program. You must pay UNI tuition and associated university fees the semester that you student teach. You are responsible for all travel, housing, meals and other related expenses. You must provide evidence of professional liability insurance (i.e. ISEA, PEI, etc...) while you student teach. You may apply to the UNI Financial Aid Office for financial assistance for expenses to be incurred during student teaching.

Why do schools participate in this program?

Participating schools recognize the value of inviting out of state or international student teachers to interact with their faculty and students. Opportunities arise daily to share educational philosophies, discuss teaching techniques, and exchange views on living and learning. Student teachers and host schools alike benefit from the experience.

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For general information on student teaching visit:
Student Teaching Frequently Asked Questions