Aiken County Public School District provides a proactive and collaborative approach to cultivate growth and success of aspiring educators. Student teaching in Aiken County is a culminating experience in the education journey that is rich in high quality student-centered learning experiences. Aiken County partners with colleges and universities to provide these experiences for college students.

Prior to a practicum and student teaching placement, the college/university in which the student is enrolled must have a current Memorandum of Understanding and a current Certificate of Insurance on file. The Certificate of Insurance must be generated by the college/university in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate listing the district as a certificate holder.

Both documents should be submitted via email to ashleyw@acpsd.net, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator.

Colleges, Universities, or Technical Schools wishing to place students completing practicum or clinical hours (pre-internship focused on observation and documentation, not directly supervising or instructing students) may reach out directly to school Principals for placement and copy ashleyw@acpsd.net on the request.

1. Student Teaching Placement Requests

   • The request for approval of the student teaching placement must be submitted to the Aiken County Public Schools  Human Resources Department by the college/university designee who oversees student teaching placement by e-mail to Ashley Watson, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator.

2. Student Teaching Information Sheet

   • The Student Teacher Candidates must complete a Student Teaching Application.

3. Student Teacher Application in TalentED Hire

   • Student Teacher candidates will submit an External Application indicating the top 3 locations desired as Student Teacher (Recruitment Employment section). 

4. South Carolina Department of Education Application.

   • Prior to student teacher placement, candidates must ensure that their applications at the South Carolina Department of Education are complete and Cleared for Student Teaching by visiting the SCDE Certification web page and clicking on the View Certification Status.

   • Additional information regarding fees and submission of application materials can be found on the SCDE website.

5. Cooperating Teachers 

   • ACPSD offers educational leader teachers the opportunity to share their vast knowledge and expertise in their content area of teaching and instruction with student teachers, interns, and observers from our partnering universities, colleges, alternative certification programs, and other teacher preparation programs. Cooperating Teachers are lifelong learners who successfully implement best practices, are proficient in interacting and communicating with student teachers, and are dedicated to helping mold our future educators. Effective Cooperating Teachers are an intricate part in the development and success of the student teacher. If you are interested in being a Cooperating Teacher, please let your principal know. 

Cooperating Teacher Eligibility:

• At least three years’ experience in your field of study and current courses taught

• Valid credentials within your certification field

• Received “Proficient” or above on most recent Teacher Evaluation

• Strong knowledge base of your content area

• Proficiency in lesson planning and delivery of instruction

• Commitment to helping mold a future educator

• Positive attitude toward the profession, position, parents, students, and colleagues with an ability to interact and communicate in a respectful, caring and supportive way

• Flexibility and patience

• Good listening and problem solving skills

• Willingness to share your classroom, materials and resources with pre-service students

• Recommendation and approval of School Principal

Questions?

For questions about the Aiken County Public Schools Student Teacher Program, contact ashleyw@acpsd.net, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator.