Student Teacher and Intern Placements
Placement Details for Student Observations
College and university students not yet to coursework requiring an internship or practicum placement may seek observation hours within CUSD. These placements typically require between 10-15 hours in the classroom and are designated for a specific college level course. Due to the volume of placement requests, please fill out the form below and someone will contact you with the placement. We cannot honor site or teacher requests for these. All students will need to show ID and an IVP card upon arrival at the school.
Students looking to gain more extensive experiences working with students are encouraged to apply for a job as a paraprofessional or in our Kids' Express Program.
Placement Details for College and University Students
Chandler Unified places roughly 150 college and university students for internship and practicum placements each semester. All placement for observation and practice must be done through your college or university placement coordinator. Students can never request placement directly.
Requirements
All student learners must have a copy of their IVP card on file with the district and must wear ID while on our campuses. We look forward to hosting you in our classrooms and helping you learn about education as you launch your career.
Teacher Mentors
Teacher mentors are recruited each semester and verified through their site administration as a good placement. Because of this, we do not take requests for internship placements. The classroom experience should be based on observing and participating with teachers who utilize good practice, not based solely on a specific location. After experiencing different intern/practicum placements, you can work with your placement coordinator and a specific teacher to prearrange a student teaching placement. Since this placement is the culminating experience in your program, making a request for a specific teacher is appropriate.
Communication
Once placement is made, our cooperating mentors are planning for your time in their classroom. Please make sure that you reach out to your placement teacher, even if your start time does not begin for several weeks. This allows them to plan for your arrival and to give you the best experience as you integrate into a classroom.
District Contact Information
Some universities ask for a contact within the school district in order to make placements. If this is the case for your situation, your placement coordinator can reach out to:
Jena Phillips, Professional Pathways Coordinator
preserviceplacements@cusd80.com
CUSD Teachers Interest Form
Hosting Student Interns and Student Teachers
Requirements
- Ideal hosts should have a positive outlook on education even while navigating difficult situations, believe that all students can learn, and are passionate about their work. We want student learners to leave the time in your classroom wanting to enter our profession.
- You should be willing to coach student learners and help them plan and reflect. This includes thinking aloud so they understand the choices you make to get the results that are seen.
- You should utilize best practice in your classroom activities and planning, and have effective classroom management.
To qualify, you will need your administrator’s approval and 3 or more years of successful teaching experience. If you have a passion for supporting the newest members of our profession, please fill out the link below.
Joining the Pool
If you are a CUSD teacher interested in hosting a student teacher and/or intern for Spring 2026, please fill out the form below based on your level. You must be signed in to your gse account to access the forms below.
Elementary (K-6)
Secondary (7-12)
If you have any questions, please reach out to preserviceplacements@cusd80.com