Student Teaching FAQ

Whom would I contact concerning my appointment to student teaching?

Contact the Curriculum and Instruction Director of Student Teaching: Dr. Lolita Davidson – ldavidso@lasierra.edu

Do I have a choice in where I would like to do my student teaching?

It is your responsibility to find the distract who will give you a student teaching placement along with the close supervision of the La Sierra University Distance Learning Office and the Curriculum and Instruction Student Teacher Director.

What is the Certificate of Clearance?

The Department of Justice of the state of California does a background check on individuals who are interested in the teaching profession. The Certificate of Clearance shows that you have not been a felon or involved in illegal activities. These live scan fingerprints must be done for entry to the Teacher Education Program even if you have already had them done for a district or county.

When and how do I apply for the Certificate of Clearance?

Contact the Credential Officer:

Sylvia Gallegos - sgalegos@lasierra.edu
Office phone: 1-951-785-2224 or 1-800-785-2000 ext: 2224

CREDENTIALS,  ETC.   

Whom do I contact if I have a credential question?

Contact the Credential Officer:

Sylvia Gallegos - sgalegos@lasierra.edu
Office phone: 1-951-785-2224 or 1-800-785-2000 ext: 2224

What credentials can I receive from the state of California?

Preliminary and Professional Credentials for Multiple Subjects and Single Subjects

What credential can I receive from the Seventh-day Adventist School System?

Basic and Professional Credentials for Elementary and Secondary

Can I obtain an elementary and secondary credential at the same time?

Yes, as long as you fulfill all of the requirements. You would only need 18 units of student teaching to count for both credentials.

TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

I thought that when I enrolled in liberal studies major or a 5th year credential Program I was automatically in the Teacher Education program. Is this correct?

No, there are several prerequisites to be met before being officially admitted to the program.

Where can I get the prerequisites for the Teacher Education Program?

Click here (PDF).

What is the value of being admitted to the Teacher Education Program?

This allows you to take teacher education methods courses and student teaching, and thus complete your credential.

STUDENT TEACHING FOR DIGITAL LEARNING STUDENTS

How will I be supervised during my student teaching?

The Student Teaching Program Director will work with your district and master teachers to find a qualified educator to supervise you.

Will anyone from La Sierra University observe me?

Yes. Near the end of your student teaching, you will need to pay for one round trip for a Curriculum & Instruction professor to observe you (if you are out of country, other arrangements will be made). During this visit the professor will observe you teaching, meet with your master teacher, and others who have worked with you during this time. The professor will then meet with you to discuss the master teachers’ summary evaluation reports and the professors own evaluation report plus will answer any of your questions. The professor will then make the recommendation to the La Sierra University Student Teaching Program Director that you have successful completed the student teaching portion of the credential program.

Why is this La Sierra University professor’s observation trip necessary?

This observation is critical to make sure that La Sierra University can safely recommend you as a teacher even though perhaps you have never been on the La Sierra University campus.

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