What is Practicum? Student Teaching? Internship?

When you are starting a teaching major, there are a lot of unfamiliar words that teachers or other students talk about but don't worry, we are here to help!

Practicum

After you take the prerequisites and introductory classes in your specific major, you will take a practicum class. It is practice! You will have the opportunity to implement what you are learning in class into actual teaching. Practicum is designed to give you an idea of what a day-to-day life of a teacher is like. You will make lesson plans, observe, and teach some small group lessons and even some whole class lessons. You will take classes during the semester and before. Your professors and clinical faculty associates (CFAs) are there to help you. It may seem daunting, but you will be prepared when the time comes! If you don't have a car, there are carpool options. Also, you can talk to your advisor about any concerens you may have.

After you finish your practicums, you will have to opportunity to either student teach or do an internship.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is a semester, unpaid (except for a $6000 stipend from the Utah state government that started in fall 2024) teaching experience where you spend time shadowing a mentor teacher and plan, prepare, and teach every day for a few weeks. Student teachers apply and list their preferences for district and grade level, and then are assign to a school accordingly. The McKay school also hosts semester-long student teaching programs in Washington DC and Houston, TX for all students who are interested!

Internship

An internship is a full-school year (August - May), paid experience, where you are the only teacher in the classroom. You will plan, prepare, and teach every day. Interns apply and interview with a district, where they are then placed in a school and grade level. Some districts allow you to list your preferred grade level. Internships are only available for Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Physical Education students.

Want to learn more about what goes into becoming a teacher? Schedule an appointment with a student ambassador here!