Northern Illinois University
Educator Licensure and Preparation

Student Teaching and Clinical Field Experiences Update

Due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), NIU has extended spring break and introduced modified course delivery. Please know that we're committed to minimizing the impact of these changes on your academic progress. We have developed the following protocols for teacher candidates enrolled in student teaching and early clinical field experiences at NIU.

Student Teaching Updated

As the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) reaches K-12 schools in Illinois, we recognize that your student-teaching experience has been significantly altered. Please know that we are here to support you through this challenging time.

We are asking you to remain in contact electronically with your cooperating teacher to determine how you can assist with student learning from a distance. We recognize that districts, schools, disciplines and classrooms might approach the coming weeks differently, and your cooperating teacher might need help with grading, non-face-to-face small group discussions etc., or might prefer that you take a step back while they navigate this e-learning environment. Please continue to communicate with your university supervisor(s) so they are aware of the roles and responsibilities you have during this time.

For those of you who have not submitted your edTPA yet, please make that your main focus. Continue to work with your program faculty for support and guidance as needed.

Please check your NIU email account and the NIU COVID-19 website regularly for any further updates. Please also be assured that we are committed to minimizing the impact of these changes on your academic progress.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Jenny Parker, Associate Vice Provost for Educator Licensure and Preparation (jparker@niu.edu or 815-753-7829).

Early Clinical Field Experiences

If you're involved in a pre-student-teaching observation and/or clinical experience, you'll follow NIU's course delivery policy. You won't be required to report to your clinical field placement during the week of March 16, or the following weeks of non-face-to-face course delivery.

You'll return to your early clinical field placement when NIU returns to face-to-face course delivery. You can submit assignments associated with early clinical field experiences electronically, as appropriate, during the weeks of non-face-to-face course delivery.