Student Teaching

In addition to academic studies, field experiences enable teacher education students to broaden and deepen their understanding of teaching and learning.

Each undergraduate education course is taught in conjunction with a semester-long field experience in a public school in which students work with an experienced classroom teacher and a Rider professor two half-days a week. Over the course of his or her professional preparation, each student is placed in a variety of grade levels in both urban and suburban schools.

In the sophomore year, students work as teacher assistants. They observe and help conduct learning activities that the teacher has planned. In the junior year, students continue to observe and assist but also plan for and teach individuals, small groups, and full classes. In the senior year, students complete an entire semester of full-time student teaching.

The future offers unique challenges and opportunities for teacher education students. Education welcomes those students who want to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. The program prepares students to learn how to affect change in an ever-changing world.