On weekday mornings across South Carolina, Coker University student teachers are settling into the daily rhythm of teaching. For Spring 2026, these future educators are not observing from the back of the room. They are planning lessons and leading instruction, while learning what it means to manage a classroom in real time.
Through the Wiggins School of Education’s Educator Preparation Program (EPP), all teacher candidates complete extensive field experiences before student teaching begins. Each candidate completes at least 100 hours of supervised classroom experience. Most students who enter the program as freshmen complete closer to 150 hours. Transfer students meet the same 100-hour requirement, ensuring consistent preparation across the program.
Coker’s four-phase clinical internship model is built directly into coursework. Candidates begin with classroom observation and gradually take on more responsibility. By the time student teaching begins, they are ready to step into a lead role, supported by university faculty and experienced classroom teachers.
Placements are carefully matched to each candidate’s certification area. Early Childhood Education majors complete student teaching in PreK through third-grade classrooms. Elementary Education majors work in grades two through six. Coker also offers bachelor’s degrees leading to teacher certification in Art Education (K–12), Music Education, Dance Education (PK–12), and Biology Education (9–12), with placements aligned to each program.
Supervising teachers play a key role in shaping the student teaching experience. Selected by school districts in collaboration with Coker, these mentors are experienced educators known for strong classroom practice and professionalism. All supervising teachers hold a valid South Carolina teaching license in the appropriate grade band and certification area, and have at least 3 years of successful teaching experience.
“I aim to make certain that the students have a variety of placements in grade levels and different schools,” Karen Ortiz, Coordinator of Student Internships and Certification. “That way, they can zone in on what they really like, and we don’t place them in a grade that they don’t want to end up teaching.”
Coker University maintains Memoranda of Agreements with many school districts across South Carolina. These partnerships allow candidates to complete their clinical practice in districts where they hope to work after graduation. For many students, those relationships lead to job offers before student teaching even ends.
“I’ve always heard that Coker is the best for education,” said Jadee Dean, a student teacher majoring in Early Childhood Education. “I do appreciate all of my field experiences that I’ve been through because I’ve been from kindergarten all the way up to fifth grade. I’ve been in different grades and different settings, and I’ve loved all of it.”
Dr. Lisa Stockdale, dean of the Wiggins School of Education, sees this outcome as a reflection of both preparation and trust built over time with school partners.
“Very often, our student teachers are offered jobs before they complete their student teaching experience,” Dr. Stockdale said. “We are so appreciative of the strong partnerships we have with our school district and community partners.”
For Spring 2026 student teachers, the semester is focused on practice in adjusting lessons and responding effectively to students of all ages. By the end of the term, they leave the classroom with real experience and a clearer understanding of the work ahead.
“I think our professors do a good job of being, like, this is real life,” McKay Kasper, a student teacher majoring in Early Childhood Education. “That this is actually what you’re going to face. There’s not as much fluff.
In addition to the traditional undergraduate degrees offered, Coker offers Early Childhood and Elementary Education degree programs 100% online. Students who already have a bachelor's degree may be eligible to pursue alternative route certification through Coker's Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification (APEC).
