To be eligible for student teaching, students must be in good academic standing, have no incompletes, complete all prerequisite education courses, have an overall Cortland grade point average of 2.7, have completed at least two-thirds of the course work in the minor, and have no grade lower than a C- in required education courses. Students must be eligible at the time of application, and if ineligible, reapply when eligibility is achieved.

Eligible candidates for student teaching are offered placements in high needs, urban school settings. Prior to student teaching, undergraduate and graduate students in special education have several opportunities to work with families and learning communities in both urban and rural or suburban areas in preparation for the culminating student teaching experience.

Currently we collaborate with many urban and local school districts to create the best learning opportunities for Cortland students. Additional opportunities include student teaching in New York City and at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

We are preparing our graduates to teach students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. However, in exceptional cases, other placements may be approved for student teaching provided they meet New York State Department of Education requirements.