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FIU’s Educator Preparation Internships provide an invaluable opportunity for teacher candidates to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and dispositions developed throughout their academic program. Students in an Initial Teacher Education Program (ITEP) can choose between two distinct capstone internship pathways: the traditional Student Teaching pathway or the Teacher Residency pathway. Both options provide immersive, full-time experiences over an entire semester, equipping candidates with the skills and confidence needed for success in their teaching careers.

These opportunities are available during the fall and spring semesters for all ITEP majors, including secondary education. Placements are not offered during the summer semester.

FIU collaborates with Miami-Dade and Broward County school districts to provide these internship opportunities, coordinated through the FIU Office of Clinical Experiences. Both pathways offer comprehensive support and practical teaching experience, empowering students to choose the option that best aligns with their career goals.

For more information, contact the FIU Office of Clinical Experiences at 305-348-2082 or visit us at ZEB 130.

The traditional Student Teaching pathway involves an unpaid placement in an established classroom with a cooperating teacher who provides ongoing mentorship and guidance, with additional support from a university supervisor.

Following an initial orientation, student teachers gradually take on the responsibilities of their cooperating teacher over a full semester. During this time, they adhere to the school district calendar, attending every school day, including teacher planning days.

Applying for Student Teaching or Teacher Residency
  • Expectations During Your Internship

    During this capstone experience, students will:

    • Create effective learning environments.
    • Demonstrate content knowledge.
    • Plan and deliver engaging lessons.
    • Adapt to diverse learners.
    • Differentiate instruction.
    • Assess and support student learning.
    • Use culturally relevant resources.
    • Develop classroom management skills.
    • Strengthen communication and collaboration skills.
    • Reflect on teaching practices.
    • Exhibit professionalism.
  • Eligibility Requirements

    To apply for either pathway, students must:

    • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
    • Pass all four parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) General Knowledge Test (GKT).
    • Be formally admitted to their degree program.
    • Be on track to complete all program coursework and college requirements before the internship semester.
    • Obtain district-required security verification.
  • Application Deadlines

    Submit your application and all supporting documents during the following periods:

    • Fall Student Teaching: January 15 – March 31
    • Spring Student Teaching: May 1 – July 15
  • Application Process

    Follow these steps to complete your application for Student Teaching or Teacher Residency:

    1. Complete and submit the online application and supporting documents. You will need to upload the following documents before submitting your application:

      - A copy of your official or unofficial score report showing passing scores on all four parts of the General Knowledge Test.
      - A digital copy of your clearance card (Miami-Dade County Public Schools) or badge (Broward County Public Schools).

    2. Participate in a required meeting to review your application evaluation and learn about the available internship pathways.

      Fall Internships:  Meeting held in April
      Spring Internships:  Meeting held in September

    3. Before starting your student teaching semester, submit a passing score report for the Professional Education Exam (PEd) and all sections of the applicable Subject Area Exam (SAE) by these deadlines:

    Fall Internships: July 1.
    Spring Internships: November 1. 

    Note: Students pursuing the Teacher Residency pathway must submit passing scores for the Professional Education Exam (PEd) and Subject Area Exam (SAE) by these deadlines:

    Fall Internships: June 1
    Spring Internships: October 1 

    Ensure all steps are completed on time to secure your placement and meet eligibility requirements.

     

Preparing for Your Internship Semester
  • Qualifications

    To begin your Student Teaching or the Teacher Residency internship, you must meet the following requirements:

    • Submit an official Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE) score report showing passing scores on all required exams, including Subject Area Exam (SAE) and Professional Education Exam (PEd).  

      Note: Students interested in the Teacher Residency pathway must submit passing scores on all required exams by earlier deadlines. Please refer to the "Application Process" section for specific dates.
    • Complete all required coursework in your program. Any exceptions must be approved by the Director of your academic program.
    • Obtain approval of your internship application.
  • Steps to Begin Your Internship Semester
    1. Once you receive the notification email with your placement information, promptly register for your assigned student teaching course section.
    2. Plan to attend three full days of mandatory orientation during the first week of the semester.
    3. Review your placement information and familiarize yourself with your assigned school.
    4. Reach out to your cooperating or mentor teacher to introduce yourself and establish communication before your internship begins.