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Student Teaching

Student Teaching Placement Process

Charleston County School District (CCSD) values strong partnerships with institutions of higher learning and educator preparation programs. We are committed to providing meaningful, structured field experiences that support the development of future educators.

Types of Placements

We welcome placement requests for the following educator preparation experiences:

  • Observation
    Short-term, introductory placements focused on observing classrooms and instructional practices. These are typically limited in duration and designed to provide early exposure to school environments.
  • Practicum / Field Experience
    Course-embedded, part-time placements involving observation and early hands-on instructional engagement. These experiences support students as they begin to apply coursework in real classroom settings.
  • Student Teaching / Clinical Internships
    Full-time, semester-long placements in which candidates gradually assume full responsibilities under a certified mentor teacher or professional school counselor.
     

How to Request a Placement

To request a placement in CCSD, institutions must follow these steps:

1. Affiliation Agreement

An active Affiliation Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) must be in place before any placement requests can be considered. If your institution does not have one on file, please contact us to begin the process.

2. Submit Placement Requests

Requests must come from the university’s designated placement contact—not from individual students or faculty—and must include:

  • Program of study and grade-level eligibility
  • Type and duration of placement
  • Requested location or setting (if applicable)
  • Preference for single or dual placements

3. Background Check & SLED Check (Post-Placement Confirmation)

Once a placement is confirmed, the student will be asked to complete a short form providing the information necessary for CCSD to initiate the required background checks. 

Additional Notes:

  • Background checks are required for all students, regardless of placement type
  • Checks are processed using the information submitted by the student
  • CCSD covers the cost
  • Clearance is valid for one academic year

4. SCDE Clearance (If Applicable)

Students completing full student teaching or clinical internships must complete the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) Student Teaching and Clearance prior to making placement arrangements.

The university is responsible for guiding students through this process and submitting verification to CCSD.

5. District Review & School Matching

CCSD Human Resources will review placement requests and collaborate with school administrators to determine availability and assign mentor teachers.

6. Confirmation & Onboarding

Once a placement is confirmed:

  • CCSD will notify the university
  • The university will follow up with the student and cooperating teacher or site supervisor to ensure placement details are shared and onboarding is completed in alignment with both CCSD and university expectations

7. Start of Placement

Students may begin once all approvals, documentation, and clearances are complete and in place, following the agreed-upon start date.

Placement Request Windows

To ensure timely processing, please submit requests during the following windows:

  • Fall Semester: May 15 – August 15
  • Spring Semester: September 1 – December 1 

Contact Us

Send all inquiries and placement requests to studentteaching@charleston.k12.sc.us.

Toshiba Champaigne
Recruitment Manager

April Butler
Executive Director of Certified Recruitment & Hiring