Welcome, IHE Partner!

We are currently constructing this page to provide you with guidance regarding MOUs, placement requests and confirmations, and clearance procedures for university student observers and student teachers/interns. 

If your Institution of Higher Education (IHE) has a current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LAUSD and you need to submit a placement request or confirmation, please contact TDAS@lausd.net to receive the most up-to-date documents. Alternatively, you can click the link below to access important IHE documents.

LAUSD defines a pre-student teacher as a university or college student aged 18 or older who wishes to fulfill a university or college classroom observation requirement. They are pursuing a degree in education or teaching credentials and have not yet entered the student-teaching phase of their program. This individual typically engages in coursework and may participate in observational experiences in classrooms, but they have not yet taken on the responsibilities of a student teacher, which usually involves direct teaching under the supervision of a mentor teacher.

Pre-student teachers who are doing observations are cleared through the LAUSD Volunteer Program as community members.  Pre-student teachers wanting to conduct observation hours must complete the online volunteer application on the School Management Volunteer System. IHEs do not need to submit a roster to the Teacher Development and Support Branch (TDAS) using the placement confirmation sheet for pre-student teachers.  Please note that the Teacher Development and Support Branch does NOT have access to the School Volunteer Management System or have the authority to approve classroom observations.

A student teacher or an intern is an education student who is gaining practical experience in a classroom or school setting under the supervision of a certified teacher or clinical supervisor. The role of a student teacher typically involves planning lessons, teaching students, and assessing their progress, all while learning about the educational process and classroom management. 

Field experience placements provide university/college (IHE) students (candidates) with experiences that meet IHE requirements and introduce them to essential facets of the profession in the educational setting.

In order to place student teachers, practicum students, or interns in an LAUSD setting, the IHE must have an active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Candidates seeking a placement at an LAUSD school site MUST receive a fingerprint clearance email from the IHE or the Teacher Development and Support (TDAS) Branch before starting their practicum field experience.

NO MOU?

If your IHE is interested in partnering with LAUSD to offer field experience opportunities for your candidates, please contact us at TDAS@lausd.net. We will guide you through the process of establishing an affiliated agreement.