Clinical Placements

For more information on Clinical Placement visit our website at https://gsep.pepperdine.edu/tpce/clinical-placements/.

Student Teaching Placement Overview

Required Hours: Complete a minimum of 600 California-mandated hours.
Mentor Teacher: You’ll be supervised by a mentor teacher with:
- At least three years of teaching experience.
- A valid California Clear Teaching Credential (or equivalent).
Grade-Level Experience:
- Elementary (Multiple Subject): You’ll work in both K–3 and 3–5 grade settings.
- Secondary (Single Subject): You’ll be placed in both Middle School (6–8) and High School (9–12) settings.
Schedule:
- Monday–Thursday, approximately 8:00 AM to 2:00 or 3:00 PM
Program Timeline:
- Fall Term: 12 weeks
- Spring Term: 12 weeks
- Summer Term: 6–7 weeks
Placement Sites:
- You’ll be placed at two different school sites.
- Site changes occur midway through your placement, based on the school calendar.

Clinical Phases of Student Teaching

Phase 1 – Observation & Support
- Observe classroom instruction
- Assist the mentor teacher
- Tutor and work with small groups
- Monitor student learning and begin adjusting instruction
Phase 2 – Transition to Teaching
- Begin taking on more teaching responsibilities
- Lead lessons with support from your mentor teacher
Phase 3 – Full-Time Student Teaching
- Take on a full teaching role
- Lead classroom instruction and manage day-to-day responsibilities