All students start by taking the core curriculum. Students will also take two entry-level education courses: Introduction to Teaching and Introduction to Special Populations.

Students preparing to become elementary school teachers will primarily take education coursework in Year 3.  Those who plan to teach in middle school or high school will have additional content (history, mathematics, etc.) coursework as well.

Year 4 consists of Pre-Service Internship I and II.  These are the capstone experiences for the UHCL teacher preparation program.  Pre-Service Internship I is every Wednesday of the public school semester. Pre-Service Internship II is every day of the public school semester. Enrollment in Pre-Service Internship I should not be considered until almost all content and basic certification courses have been successfully completed.

UHCL believes that real world experience prepares students to become certified teachers. The teacher preparation program at UHCL offers extensive public school based experiences for future educators. These expanded experiences include a two-semester internship, public school based university coursework and close cooperation with many schools designated as professional development school sites. The year-long internship is designed to provide future educators with hands-on experience related to every aspect of the teaching profession. As a professional educator, students serve in a variety of teaching roles with a high level of responsibility.

UHCL’s curriculum and field experiences are designed to prepare students to meet the varied needs of learners in today’s classrooms. UHCL expects students to demonstrate professionalism by:

• Adapting instruction to support individual learning differences
• Creating a positive and respectful classroom environment
• Addressing misconceptions and promoting critical thinking
• Encouraging open discussion and exposure to a range of perspectives
• Using language that is respectful and constructive for all students

During UHCL's internship program, students work under the supervision of a team consisting of the Center for the Professional Development, public school personnel, a university supervisor, a district supervisor and a mentor teacher with the cooperation of the campus principal. The internship team serves as the student's teacher, supervisor and mentor throughout two internship semesters. UHCL assigns students to school sites that regard every staff member as a mentor who fosters a rich, supportive environment for preparing professional teachers.

At UHCL, we believe in hands-on learning. Through professional development, local partnerships and innovative classes, our students graduate with plenty of real-world experience. One such partnership is with Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD). UHCL and CCISD agreed to create and maintain a professional development laboratory school in the district. This school, McWhirter Professional Development Laboratory School in Webster, TX, was opened in 2002. Through this partnership, UHCL students take courses taught at the school in a designated classroom, completing internships and other field experiences at the school.