Teacher Education is a process that requires preparation in both theory and practice. Pedagogical and content knowledge must be applied in the context of a real classroom in order for a beginning teacher to develop the skills and knowledge that are needed for effective professional practice. Northwestern is highly committed to the process of practical as well as theoretical preparation for teaching. Consequently, teacher education programs at Northwestern include extensive field experience hours and supervision. Student teaching is the culminating experience in this process and carries an even higher level of faculty supervision than earlier field experiences in the program.
During the student teaching semester, student teachers pay a $300 non-refundable fee to assist with the high costs associated with the field experience in the program. This fee contributes directly to the costs of supervision of student teachers, remunerations for cooperating teachers, and Liability Insurance.