Office of Teacher Education Services and Clinical Practice

Clinical Practice Network
Field Experience
Student Teaching
Licensing & Requirements
Background Checks

About

The Office of Teacher Education Services and Clinical Practice is the hub of activity for clinical field experiences in Teachers College. Our spokes reach to other colleges on campus through similar placements in other programs.

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Prospective Students

Already thinking about where you would like to complete your student teaching? This semester-long experience will provide you with the opportunity to utilize all you learn in your course work here at Ball State University. Your early field experiences, classroom knowledge and professional disposition will be put into practice in a classroom location designed to help you be successful. At Ball State, there are LOTS of great opportunities for student teaching. Check out the options!

Looking to transition into teaching? If you have a bachelor's degree and a passion for working with students, our Transition to Teaching programs at Ball State could be your next step.

These programs offer an alternative path to teacher licensing in Indiana for professionals from non-education fields. Choose from three options: early childhood education (K-3), elementary education (K-6) or secondary education (grades 5-12). All programs are online, designed for working professionals, and can be completed in as little as four semesters.

The elementary and early childhood programs are 24 credit hours, while the secondary program is 18 credit hours. You can also pair these with a master’s degree to maximize your investment. Each option includes a practicum and required state testing.

For guidance, contact Amy Gough, our Post-Bac Licensing Coordinator, or Becky Druetzler, our online Student Success Specialist. Learn more by visiting our post-baccalaureate licensing programs catalog page.

Contact Amy Gough,  Post-Bac Licensing Coordinator or Becky Druetzler, an online Student Success Specialist from Ball State Online to learn more!

View our catalog page for information on post-baccalaureate licensing programs.

 

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Pre-student teaching field experiences give you a systematic, planned sequence of experiences in appropriate educational settings. These experiences will familiarize you with the principles of classroom management and the teaching-learning process in practical and real school environments, as well as help you learn how to teach.

Ball State University processes background checks through Castle Branch, an accredited background check third party. Students must have a valid background check both in the Ball State System and on their person during each and every field experience. Background checks are valid for one school year and will expire each July. Learn More

Before students will be allowed to enter schools for a field experience, they are required to complete the EduRisk training, “Protecting Minors: Identify and Reporting Sexual Misconduct”. This training needs to only be completed once during a student's tenure at Ball State. Learn More

Student teaching supervisors may turn in a travel log for travel reimbursement ($0.625/mile) for travel done to visit student teachers in the classroom.
In order to get reimbursed for travel, fill out the Supervisor Travel Form (Download). After last date of travel, there will be 30 days to turn in any travel done for student teaching observations. Anything turned in after 60 days cannot be submitted for travel and cannot be reimbursed.

Contact:  Jamie Antic, Secretary. 

Becoming an effective teacher includes demonstrating professional dispositions, which include attitudes, habits of action, and commitments that foster student learning and assist in elevating the education profession, as well as in interacting with families, community members, and colleagues.

The Ball State Disposition Assessment System is a systematic, consistent approach to assessing and supporting teacher candidates’ disposition growth throughout their preparation. This system has two components: (1) a disposition rubric system, and (2) a disposition alert system, which provide opportunities for deliberate feedback and guidance regarding teacher candidates’ disposition development.

We require a W9 form from all mentor and cooperating teachers for payment processing. Your W9 will be securely stored and used solely for this purpose. The form will be sent on the first of each month during the semester, and payments will be issued six weeks after the semester concludes.

Thank you for your dedication to the field of education and your service to our students! Without your keen insight and commitment to our students, we could not complete their preparation. Please check the information below for answers to common questions. If you are still in need of assistance, contact our office.

  • Must have 3 years of teaching experience in their area.
  • Must have a valid license in the area of mentorship.
  • Must be recommended by their school administrator.
  • Must have a mentoring mindset.
We require a W9 form from all mentor and cooperating teachers for payment processing. Your W9 will be securely stored and used solely for this purpose. The form will be sent on the first of each month during the semester, and payments will be issued six weeks after the semester concludes.

To post a job opening to Ball State's network of students and alumni, you can create an account and post any vacant position on the Ball State Cardinal Career Link.

Our Teachers College

As a student in Ball State's Teachers College, you will join a community that prepares tomorrow's professionals and leaders in all areas of education—a mission that permeates through all of our departments.

Our graduates have a 93 percent placement rate thanks to our dedicated, experienced faculty responsible for our programs, many of whom consistently rank among the best of their kind in the U.S.

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We're Here to Help

Can't find what you're looking for? Have questions?

Office of Teacher Education Services and Clinical Practice

TC 205 Ball State University Muncie, IN 47306

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

765-285-1168

765-285-2854

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