Updates for 2023-2024 Student Teachers
- Do not send any clearance attachments to the STEP@email.tcnj account. Post every document in Livetext as a pdf with your name on it. Do not load as an image.
- Depending on the district, you may be required to submit all clearances in advance. For example, you must transfer your prints in advance to districts such as South Brunswick, East Brunswick, and Lawrence before a request for placement can be requested. Note: This does not guarantee that you will be placed.
- Be prepared to transfer your prints multiple times, as we cannot guarantee that a teacher can be found in a district. We will make every effort to keep the number of transfers to a minimum.
- It is now mandated that the student teachers show proof that they are fully vaccinated (as of 2022, that includes booster shot).
- It is essential that you obtain a Substitute Certification during your junior year. This will increase our ability to place you more quickly in a district. If you need financial assistance to pay for exams and certifications, you can apply for one of the School of Education Scholarships. Inquire of details from the Director of the STEP Office.
- Fall classes at TCNJ start before the official school year for most districts. Many schools start after Labor Day, so make sure to reach out to the principals and teachers to learn of your official start date, and other information you want to know about the experience (i.e, grade level if not given). It differs by districts, so the placement officer is unable to give a blanket answer on this topic
- Effective Immediately, edTPA is no longer a requirement for certification. (January 2023)
1. I don’t have a LiveText Account! How do I get one?
2. How do I Transfer my Prints to a District?
This is a picture of the correct document to download and save as a pdf document. Please attach a copy in LiveText.
3. I already put my documents in LiveText. Why can’t they be seen? Troubleshooting Tips
Click here to view the LiveText Instructional Video
Click here to view the entire Livetext Guides and Video Library
Remember, that the office may not be able to see the documents that you see. Common errors include:
- Forgetting to name your blank portfolio. If you didn’t name your blank portfolio, then I am unable to see the documents that you put into the system. If you look in the top left hand corner you will see a word in red. If that red block does not have your name, TCNJ ID, document submission), Then your document is not visible to the STEP Office. To correct the error, click on Document Properties (middle of page to the right), and name your document per the instructions, and click on save. When you see your name, TCNJ ID and Document Submission in the top left corner in red, then you did this correctly. This is the number one error.
- Students forgetting to share the document with editor access to STEPLIVETEXT. Once it’s shared, it will indicate that you successfully shared this information with the office.
- Files were placed in File Manager, instead of LiveText Docs and are not viewable by the office.
Other Issues Students need to Correct:
- Do not create multiple portfolio’s. You only need ONE portofolio. Condense all documents into one portfolio.
- Make sure your first and last name, and the name of the document are on each document. Do not ignore this request.
- Documents are to be loaded as pdf documents only. If any of your documents have and extension other than a pdf (pneg, png, docx, jpeg, gif, heic) you will be asked to redo them.
- Insert files as attachments only. Do not put any file in as an image.
4. I do not have a placement yet. May I call districts to inquire about them hosting me?
5. How will I be notified that my Criminal History report is ready?
You will be able to download and save the document as a pdf. Please attach a copy in LiveText.
6. Will I have to be fully vaccinated to complete CPII?
We are not sure how this will impact your ability to enter schools. Districts are still crafting their policies and there is a possibility that you will not be able to complete your requirements because you will not be able to attend practicum.
Students should refer to the official TCNJ Policy for details concerning the COVID Vaccination Requirement: COVID-19 STUDENT VACCINATION SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
7. What are the step for applying for student teaching?
There are two student teaching applications that students must complete:
- The STEP Online Application: (refer to FAQ#8 for issues submitting application) This is the database from which the placement letter is generated. Students will be able to apply for a placement for multiple semesters, and Global Student Teaching in the STEP system. Note: Students will be able to make changes in their profile, however, they will not be able to make any changes to the semester or residency location during student teaching once the application is submitted. There is no need to apply multiple times, if you make a mistake, email step@tcnj.edu with the details and we will make the corrections for you.
- The Qualtrics Application: This application was created to collect more accurate information from students, and give students an opportunity to provide information before placement. There will be separate links for each semester of student teaching. Please be sure to carefully complete the application for the correct semester. When completing the application, try to complete in one sitting. The system will not allow you to make changes after a week. Do NOT wait to have all your documents in Livetext to complete the application. You can answer yes or no to those questions, and add them at a later date. It is important that you finish the application as soon as possible.
- The link to the Qualtrics application will be updated every semester. Please do not complete more than one application. If you make a mistake or something changes, i.e. location, you should email us atstep@tcnj.edu with the changes and we will make the corrections for you. Check to make sure you are applying for student teaching in the correct semester.
- Link to the Fall 2023 Qualtrics Application
- Fall 2023-Student-Teaching-Checklist-2
- Student Teaching Orientation pptx
Applications are always being accepted. However, applications that are received after priority deadlines can result in a late placement. Students beginning placements later than the start of the school semester, may also have to extend their time in the district.
You should submit your online application and documentation (Resume, Transcript, TB results, Fingerprinting and Criminal Background Check, sub cert) in LiveText at the same time that you complete the Qualtrics Form.
If you still have questions after reviewing the PowerPoint, handout and these FAQs, you can send an email to the STEP Office
8. I didn’t complete MTT/MST or my CPI semester yet! How do submit my STEP application without this information?
Do not worry if the information is incorrect. We use the STEP database to generate your placement request letter, assign your field supervisors, and notify your faculty of the district, school and teacher you will be placed with. We cannot use this particular information from the system for your placement, because it will not be totally accurate.
Applying in the STEP database will not trigger the placement officer to find you a placement. It only allows us to generate your letter. However, applying for student teaching in the Qualtrics Application will let us know that you are in need of a placement in a particular semester. You will be able to provide more accurate information in the Qualtrics Survey (Forms for Students or in FAQ#7). When attempting to place you, we work from the information listed in this application and your resume. Use your official TCNJ email address on your resume and not your personal email for this process.
9. The information in my Qualtrics Application has changed. Should I complete another one?
10. I have special circumstances that need to be considered.
11. My GPA is under 3.00. Can I still student teach?
12. I need a Universal Fingerprint Form and don’t know where to find that form. Can you help me?
13. I thought we would be placed 35 miles from our home address, not 35 miles from TCNJ?
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14. Who do I talk to for questions concerning student teaching and certification?
1. If this is a question about your substitute certificate, fingerprinting or criminal background, visit their website or contact the Certification Office for clarity at certification@tcnj.edu
2. Questions about the student teaching process, requirements, or questions on student teaching timeline or placement for Clinical Practice II (full time student teaching) questions, view this website, the handbook, or send an email to STEP@tcnj.edu .
3. If your question concerns stipend payments to cooperating teachers, contact the main office at 609-771-2408, STEP@tcnj.edu or Ms. Carla Woodward at Varlese@tcnj.edu.
4. Questions on the academic component of your practicum experiences and practices should be directed to your STEP Program Coordinators
Please note: due to FERPA’s confidentiality regulations, college administrators are not allowed to speak with parents about student matters if the student is over 18 years of age.
15. Why haven’t I heard anything about my placement?
Additionally, most boards of education only meet once a month. Therefore, once a school accepts your placement, it may take several more weeks for board approval. Some districts will not put you up for approval with out all documentation. If you miss the deadline, you are likely to have to wait a month for that approval.
To follow the districts where the placement officer is sending you, go into the STEP database and under my applications you will see where you are pending. It will read pending until you are placed. If we are unable to send you to the first district, we will make a note and continue to forward a request to other districts. We have a 100% placement rate.
16. Will I be able to work in a variety of diverse settings?
17. How often do I need to get a TB test?
18. How do I apply for a Substitute Certificate?
19. What does it mean when the STEP status shows that I was rejected by a district?
20. I have an approved placement, but the STEP status still says pending. What should I do?
21. Where do I send my Praxis Results?
22. I have a placement. What are my next steps?
Some things to remember and consider once a placement is found
- Check your email regularly. Read the email thoroughly (twice) to make sure you understand your next steps.
- If additional forms or an interview is requested, you may need to contact the district, or the district coordinator will reach out to you.
- Be prepared to answer your phone if you get an unrecognizable number, or immediately check your VM.
- If you need to transfer your prints, refer to the FAQ #3 for instructions on how to transfer your fingerprints
- All students should have a sub cert, by the end of their junior year (during CPI).
- TB tests should be no older than 1 year old from the starting month of the Clinical Placement II semester. Some districts require prints to be no older than 6 months from the start of the semester. Get and post an updated version to Livetext, if needed.
- District Board meetings are usually once a month. Completed paperwork is usually due 2-3 weeks in advance of the meeting to get you on the agenda. If you miss the deadline for a board meeting, it could delay your start date for a month.
- Contact your cooperating teacher AND the principal regarding your start date, and to arrange a visit to the school prior to your first day. Some TCNJ academic programs start the semester with a few days of orientation on campus (Boot Camp) before Clinical II students begin their placements. Please be sure to clearly communicate with your cooperating teacher when you will begin. For fall placements, remember that teachers are on summer vacation and may not be checking their email regularly. Principals, however, work 12 months. If you don’t get an answer from your cooperating teacher, check to make sure you have the correct email address and email them again. If you do not receive a reply to your second email, follow up with a call, and/or contact the principal and copy our office email (step@tcnj.edu).
- Refer to our website for information to make sure you are up to date with any changes: FAQ’s, Overview of Placement Process, Policies, Student Teaching Handbook, and Forms for Students. Refer your cooperating teachers to their page on our website for information as well.
- Remind your teachers that they have to complete 1) a stipend form to be paid in the same semester of service, and 2) a midterm and/or a final performance evaluation through Livetext. Sometimes the teacher forgets, or they do not receive our emails. Please remind them that any information they need will be posted on our website.
23. Can I do CPII in PA? Will my clearances transfer? Will I be certified as a teacher in PA?
You will not receive a teaching certification at the end of your placement. Your certification will still be through the state of NJ. Visit other state’s Department of Education to learn of their teaching requirements.
24. Who is my Clinical Practice II Program Coordinator?
25. Can I get paid to substitute teach during my CPII semester?
The full policy is included below. Students in Clinical II should consider registering to substitute teach in the district where you will be placed .
Substitute Policy
Students who have a NJ Substitute Teacher Certification may be asked by their placement district to substitute during their Clinical II semester. Students may serve as substitute teachers in their assigned classroom school if they have the permission of their field supervisor and cooperating teacher. Students may only substitute in their assigned classroom and must notify their supervisor each day that they are serving as a substitute. They may not substitute more than eight school days during the semester. The student should be compensated by the district at the regular district pay rate for substitutes. Field supervisors and cooperating teachers may rescind their approval to substitute at any time if they feel it is interfering with the student’s professional growth or negatively impact the overall experience.