Step into the role of what it means to be a teacher with the student teaching program at Clemson. This program offers aspiring educators a transformative experience, providing them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive in the classroom. Through immersive field experiences and collaborative learning opportunities, you can gain a deep understanding of the art and science of teaching. Gaining this teacher education field experience is a significant part of being prepared for the real classroom experience.
Over four years, education majors participate in clinical experiences, applying what you’ve learned in lectures into practice. Starting freshman year, you are introduced to the elements of teaching through early tutoring experiences. Continuing into your sophomore and junior years, you transition into field work where you learn first-hand how to implement their teaching practices in a real classroom. You get the opportunity to work alongside teachers, ranging from early childhood to special education.
Jesus Zavala, a secondary math education major, shares how working “in an actual school with like actual students” has opened his eyes to what it is like to be a teacher. Shadowing educators in the classroom will give you the time to evaluate the structure of teaching and ultimately a head start on your career. Anna Whitaker, a senior special education major, also reflects on her personal experiences with her experiential learning.
“Without [student teaching], I would not know nearly as much as I do, or feel nearly as prepared to do anything I’ve been doing. The best way to learn is just by jumping in and getting that hands-on experience. You can learn so much in a classroom […[ by collaborating,” Whitaker said.
One of the program’s most significant benefits is the opportunity for you to develop strong disciplinary and content knowledge. By engaging with students in authentic learning environments, you can deepen your understanding of the subjects you will be teaching.
As student teachers navigate the complexities of managing a diverse group of learners, you learn how to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, student teaching fosters the development of pedagogical skills by encouraging experimentation with different instructional strategies and teaching methods.
“I’ve had a lot of field placement. So I’ve worked with a lot of different types of students. But really what works that I found really effective with [students], is getting them to relate to the content that you’re teaching, no matter what the need is, no matter what the goal is, getting them to see something that they relate to,” Whitaker said.
If you’re passionate about teaching and eager to excel in the classroom, Clemson University’s student teaching program offers a transformative experience.
