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!

Are you excited about working with students in a school setting? Do you hold a bachelor’s degree? If you answered YES to these questions, a Transition to Teaching program may be just what you are looking for!

Our Transition to Teaching programs are an alternative pathway to teacher licensing in Indiana. The programs are designed to allow someone with a degree in a field outside of education to become a licensed teacher in Indiana. Ball State offers two Transition to Teaching options: one for elementary and one for secondary education.

The elementary option leads to licensure in a general education classroom for Kindergarten through grade 6. The secondary option leads to licensure in a specified subject for grades 5 through 12. Both programs are offered online and designed to be completed by working professionals in as little as four semesters. The elementary option is 24 credit hours and the secondary option is 18 credit hours. In addition, either of these programs can be paired with a master’s degree which allows you to count the courses toward both programs (master’s degree and the licensure) to get the most return on your investment! Each program includes a practicum/student teaching portion and state mandated testing. Amy Gough, our Post-Bac Licensing Coordinator is happy to help walk you through the options for either program. Don’t hesitate to reach out to her, or Becky Druetzler, an online Student Success Specialist from Ball State Online.

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. 

Field Experience Guidance (PDF)

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 from Sexual Misconduct”. This training will be valid for all years a student is participating in field experiences and needs to only be completed once. Learn More

Student teaching supervisors can turn in your travel log to get reimbursed (at $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.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Contact: Chloe Thompson, Office Coordinator

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.

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 have a close working relationship with our current representative in the Ball State Career Center. We can help you make a connection to that representative by contacting our office. You can also create an account to post open positions in 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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