Grand Canyon University: Student Teaching Requirements Explained

If you're considering a career in teaching, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree and gain certification in the state you plan to teach in. Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers bachelor's, master's, and graduate certificate programs that can help you achieve your goal of becoming a teacher. GCU's College of Education provides initial teacher preparation options, including field experience, exam preparation, and student teaching as part of your learning journey. Their programs are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required for modern classrooms, covering topics such as education theories, technology integration, cultural competence, and diversity in education.

GCU also offers Canyon Teacher Residency Pathways, which provide learning opportunities for eligible teacher candidates to gain hands-on experience while completing their teacher certification and program requirements. These pathways offer varying levels of support and include options such as substitute teaching, tutoring, and teaching associate residencies. Keep in mind that the requirements and paths to becoming a teacher may vary depending on your state and the specific teaching role you're interested in.

Student teaching as part of a degree

Student teaching is a crucial component of a teaching degree, providing future educators with hands-on experience in the classroom. At Grand Canyon University (GCU), student teaching is integrated into various degree and certification programs, preparing graduates for a career in education.

The College of Education at GCU offers a range of bachelor's and master's degree programs that lead to initial teacher licensure. These programs are designed to provide future educators with the knowledge and skills necessary for the diverse and challenging classrooms of today. Student teaching is a key component of these programs, allowing students to gain practical experience and build relationships with schools, staff, and teachers.

GCU's Canyon Teacher Residency Pathways offer learning opportunities for eligible College of Education teacher candidates. These pathways allow candidates to be employed in various roles, such as substitute teachers, tutors, or teacher's aides, while completing their degree requirements and working towards teacher certification. The level of hands-on experience varies within each pathway, with some providing intensive support and others requiring more independence from the teacher candidate.

The Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education is another program offered by GCU that includes student teaching. This program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and are seeking teacher certification for grades 6 to 12. It incorporates observation requirements, mentorship, hands-on teaching experience, and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates to work as teachers of record in middle or high school classrooms.

In addition to degree programs, GCU also offers alternative routes to teacher certification through its Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach pathway. This pathway is ideal for those who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field and are seeking a career change. The program offers graduate-level courses and hands-on teaching experience, allowing candidates to complete their teacher certification in as little as 10 months.

Overall, student teaching is an essential part of a teaching degree, and GCU offers various programs that incorporate this hands-on experience. By participating in student teaching, future educators gain the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in their teaching careers.

Canyon Teacher Residency Pathways

Canyon Teacher Residencies at Grand Canyon University (GCU) are learning opportunities that allow eligible College of Education teacher candidates to gain employment as a substitute teacher, tutor, paraprofessional, teacher's aide, or teacher of record while completing the requirements for teacher certification and their program of study at GCU.

The College of Education at GCU supports a variety of traditional and non-traditional Canyon Teacher Residency pathways. These include:

Arizona Alternative Teaching Program

This program is for individuals seeking certification at an Arizona school or district that requires Arizona Department of Education certification. It is offered to eligible master's candidates who can teach in a classroom while pursuing their degree.

Arizona Emergency Substitute Teaching Residency

This residency is offered to eligible candidates who have completed the necessary courses to enter the classroom as a substitute teacher. Candidates are assigned to a school district where they will serve as a paid substitute teacher and are paired with a faculty advisor for support.

Arizona Student Teaching Intern Certificate

This certificate is available to eligible candidates who have secured a contract with a district and are currently enrolled in the student teaching capstone experience of one of the eligible licensure programs.

Teaching Associate Residency

This residency is for eligible candidates who have completed the necessary courses to enter the classroom as a teaching associate, teacher's aide, paraprofessional, or instructional aide. Candidates are required to research the requirements of the state, school, and/or district they hope to be employed in and take the necessary steps to receive any required certification before entering the classroom.

Nevada Alternative Route to Licensure

Nevada's Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) is designed for individuals who have secured a contract with a district in a high-needs area in Nevada. They must also be enrolled in one of the following programs: Master of Education in Secondary Humanities Education ARL, Master of Education in Secondary STEM Education ARL, or Master of Education in Special Education ARL.

Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach

Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach offers pathways for elementary and secondary teaching certification tracks to eligible Arizona candidates who are the teacher of record in their own classroom. This includes teachers who hold an emergency teaching, alternative teaching, or subject matter expert certificate, or those who teach in a charter or private school.

The two Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach pathways can be completed in as little as 10 months and consist of graduate-level courses that count towards select education master's programs. Candidates must have earned a bachelor's degree, passed state content exams, and have a letter of intent verifying their employment as Teacher of Record (TOR).

Student teaching and internships

Canyon Teacher Residency Pathways

GCU's Canyon Teacher Residency Pathways offer eligible College of Education teacher candidates the opportunity to work as a substitute teacher, tutor, paraprofessional, teacher's aide, or teacher of record while completing their certification and degree requirements. These pathways provide varying levels of hands-on experiences, with some offering intensive support and others requiring more independence from candidates.

Arizona Student Teaching Intern Certificate

The Arizona Student Teaching Intern Certificate is available to candidates who have secured a contract with a district and are enrolled in the student teaching capstone experience of an eligible licensure program. To obtain this certificate, candidates must have a request from a school or district, be actively enrolled in the student teaching capstone experience, and meet all other outlined requirements.

Teaching Associate Residency

The Teaching Associate Residency is designed for candidates who have completed the necessary courses to become a teaching associate, paraprofessional, or instructional aide. Candidates are required to research and meet the state, school, and/or district requirements for employment and obtain any necessary certifications. During this residency, candidates serve as paid support staff in classroom settings while also completing their field experience hours.

Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach

The Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach pathway offers an innovative, non-traditional approach to earning a teaching certificate. This structured program prepares teacher candidates through immersive learning experiences, including daytime teaching, professional development, mentorship, and graduate coursework. Candidates can complete their chosen track in as little as 10 months while working in their own classrooms.

Field Experience, Exam Preparation, and Student Teaching

GCU's College of Education includes field experience, exam preparation, and student teaching as part of the learning journey. These hands-on experiences provide future educators with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the classroom and meet the requirements for teacher certification.

Student teaching and exams

Student teaching is a crucial aspect of becoming a certified teacher, and Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers various pathways to facilitate this journey. The College of Education at GCU provides diverse opportunities for aspiring educators through its Canyon Teacher Residency programs. These residencies serve as learning opportunities, allowing eligible teacher candidates to gain hands-on experience while completing certification and program requirements.

The Arizona Student Teaching Intern Certificate, for instance, is designed for candidates who have secured a contract with a district and are enrolled in the student teaching capstone experience of eligible licensure programs. This certificate ensures that candidates meet specific requirements, including a request from a school or district, active enrollment in student teaching, and compliance with outlined standards.

Another pathway is the Teaching Associate Residency, which prepares candidates to enter the classroom as teaching associates or paraprofessionals. Candidates in this program serve as paid support staff in classroom settings, fulfilling field experience hours while also receiving mentorship and support from the college, school, or district.

GCU's College of Education also offers initial teacher preparation options for bachelor's and master's education degrees, which include field experience, exam preparation, and student teaching components. The curriculum for these programs aligns with national standards, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

In addition to student teaching, aspiring educators must meet exam requirements as part of their programmatic journey. Basic Skills Exams assess reading, writing, and mathematics competencies, while Content Knowledge Exams evaluate the candidate's understanding of the subject matter they plan to teach. Pedagogical Skills/Professional Knowledge Exams focus on teaching skills and methods, and Teacher Performance Assessments, such as edTPA®, are required by some states for teacher licensure.

The process of becoming a certified teacher involves navigating state-specific requirements and exams, but GCU provides comprehensive support and resources to help aspiring educators successfully navigate their academic and certification journeys.

Student teaching and classroom observations

GCU's education programs emphasise hands-on learning and residency pathways, allowing students to gain real-world experience while working towards their teaching certification. The Canyon Teacher Residencies, for instance, offer learning opportunities where eligible teacher candidates can work as substitute teachers, tutors, paraprofessionals, teachers' aides, or teachers of record while completing their certification requirements. These residencies provide varying levels of hands-on experiences, with some offering intensive support and others requiring more independence from candidates.

The Arizona Student Teaching Intern Certificate is another example of GCU's focus on student teaching and classroom observations. This program is designed for candidates who have secured a contract with a district and are enrolled in the student teaching capstone experience. It allows them to gain practical experience in the classroom under the supervision of experienced educators.

GCU also offers a Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education, which is an alternative route to obtaining a teaching license. This program incorporates observation requirements, mentorship, hands-on teaching experience, and theoretical knowledge. It prepares graduates to work as teachers of record in middle or high school classrooms by providing a non-traditional path to teacher licensure.

In addition to student teaching, GCU's education programs include field experience, exam preparation, and mentorship. The university's commitment to practical learning is evident in its recognition of the importance of classroom observations and evaluations by mentors or administrators. This approach ensures that new educators receive guidance and feedback as they develop their teaching methods.

Overall, GCU's education programs are designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience that combines academic knowledge with practical skills. By offering various pathways, including student teaching and classroom observations, GCU empowers its graduates to become competent and confident educators who are prepared to face the challenges of modern teaching.

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