Title:  Student Teacher and Practicum-Internship Information

Reports To:  Cooperating Teacher

Student Teachers are important to Topeka Public Schools (TPS).  Human Resources encourages universities to place Student Teachers within TPS classrooms for their practicum and field experiences to enable cooperating teachers to help prepare the next generation of TPS teachers.

Student Teacher placement and field experiences are a result of formal agreements between Topeka Public Schools and individual universities.  Before a Student Teacher/Intern may be placed in one of the District’s schools, an updated affiliation agreement must be on file in Human Resources.  If you are a university and would like to request a contract agreement, please email Billie Wallace at bwallace@tps501.org

If you are wanting to place a Practicum or Observation student, please contact Billie Wallace at bwallace@tps501.org or Dr. Beryl New at bnew@tps501.org.

All Student Teachers are required to attend a Student Teacher Orientation in January for spring placements and August for fall placements.  In addition, background checks, physicals, and TB tests must be on file and dated no longer than one (1) year prior to placement.  Student Teachers will be notified of this date at the time of placement.

Student must have on file the name and contact information of their Clinical Supervisor or Advisor.

Supervisory Skills:  Under the direction of the cooperating teacher, Student Teachers are expected to display good classroom management and instruct students in accordance with Topeka Public Schools and the assigned school's guidelines.

Work Environment:  Student Teachers are expected to adhere to and exhibit characteristics of those of an employee while performing the essential functions of the job.  Student Teachers are also expected to follow dress code guidelines as directed by the district for certified personnel in the academic buildings.