Scholars' Space

Clinical I Practice represents the first full-time supervised clinical experience and requires verification of academic readiness, professional standing, and state compliance prior to placement processing. Students must meet all requirements below before an application is released and placement outreach begins.

1. Academic Standing Requirements 

Students must:

• Be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program 
• Maintain the minimum required GPA established by their certification program 
• Successfully complete prerequisite coursework, including: 
  • Sophomore Field Experience (e.g., EMSE 2800) 
  • Junior Field Experience courses (e.g., EDUC 3002 and EMSE 3810 or program equivalents) 
  • Lesson Planning coursework (as required by program sequence) 
• Demonstrate advisor confirmation that they are on track for program progression and anticipated graduation timeline 

Advisor verification must be submitted to COEPO and filled out on the Potential Spreadsheet. prior to application release.

2. PRAXIS Examination Requirements 

Students must:

• Submit passing PRAXIS II content knowledge scores aligned with their certification area 
• Ensure official score reports are received by the Clinical Placement Office 

Recommended submission deadline (Spring Clinical I cycle):
November 15 of the preceding fall semester to allow for ETS reporting timelines and placement processing prior to winter recess.

Late submissions may delay placement eligibility.

3. Professional Disposition and Program Standing 

Students must:

• Demonstrate satisfactory professional dispositions 
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing 
• Have no outstanding remediation plans affecting field eligibility 
• Receive advisor endorsement confirming readiness for full-time clinical engagement 

4. Clinical Application Completion Requirements 

Students must:

• Submit a complete Clinical I application through Chalk & Wire 
• Ensure all required fields are finalized prior to submission 
• Upload any requested supporting documentation 
• Respond promptly to placement office communications 

Incomplete applications will delay placement processing.

5. District Compliance Requirements 

Prior to entering the clinical site, students must complete all district onboarding requirements, which typically include:

• Criminal history background clearance (NJDOE Office of Student Protection) 
• Fingerprinting verification 
• Negative TB test or medical clearance 
• District-specific onboarding forms or trainings (if required) 

Additional documentation may be requested by individual districts.

6. Placement Policy Expectations 

Students must understand that:

• Placements are arranged by the Clinical Placement Office 
• Students may not select their placement district 
• Students may not be placed in districts where they: 
  • Reside  
  • Work  
  • Previously attended school 
  • Have personal or professional relationships 
• Cooperating teachers must be tenured and certified in the placement area 

Placement confirmation occurs only after district approval and, where applicable, board authorization.

7. Time Commitment Requirements 

Clinical I students must:

• Follow the cooperating teacher’s daily schedule 
• Attend placement 2 days a week for Clinical I and five days a week for Clinical II.
• Participate in all instructional responsibilities assigned 
• Avoid employment or scheduling conflicts during clinical hours