Undergraduate, TCEP, and MCert Program
Student Teaching
Student Teaching at Vandercook
The student teaching field experience is the final phase of the teacher education program at VanderCook College of Music. Student teaching provides an opportunity for practical application of integrated knowledge and pedagogical approaches to the teaching and learning of music.
Throughout this process, cooperating teachers (public and private school music educators) mentor and guide our candidates through the internship experience. VanderCook’s supervising
In order to gain access to the student teaching program, the candidate must have fulfilled the following requirements:
Student teaching application on file with the Director of Student Teaching
Resume and one page biography on file with the Director of Student Teaching
In order to participate in the clinical student teaching experience, the candidate must have fulfilled the following requirements:
Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (undergraduate) / 3.0 (graduate) or better in all coursework
Received a C or better in all content-area and professional-education coursework
Performed a junior and senior recital (undergraduate)
Completed and passed all required coursework
Passed the ISBE Music Content-Area exam
Completed 25 PCE hours outside of any methods class projects they complete and filed with the Director of Student Teaching by the stated deadline
Completed and passed all playing comprehensive exams and filed with appropriate dean by the stated deadline
FBI and State criminal background checks within the 60 days prior to the start of student teaching on file in the dean’s office
Complete the tutorial, and provide a copy of the certificate to the Director of Student Teaching for mandated reporting with the Department of Children and Family Services.
Important Documents
Please review the following documents pertaining to Student Teaching
Student Resources
Performance Opportunities
You will perform over 20 times a year!
As a member of the Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Concert Choir, String Orchestra, Collegiate Chorale, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Band, you will perform over 20 times a year on campus and throughout the city of Chicago.
The Midwest Clinic
VanderCook co-founded The Midwest Clinic: an international band and orchestra conference held in Chicago with more than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. Throughout the history of The Midwest Clinic, VanderCook is the only college Symphonic Band invited to perform every year.
Chicago at Your Fingertips
Attending VanderCook gives you instant access to many of the city’s most famous and important cultural landmarks, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and the Lyric Opera – all just minutes away from campus by bus, train or bike. All undergraduates receive a Ventra card for unlimited access to CTA trains and buses during the fall and spring semesters.