In partnership with educator preparation programs across Texas and beyond, El Paso ISD offers placement for student teachers in schools district-wide. EPISD Cooperating Teachers open their classrooms to student teachers to coach, collaborate, and support these preservice educators.

Become a Student Teacher

Placement Requests

Student teacher placement requests are accepted from partnering educator preparation programs in the months before the start of each semester. Students who are interested in student teaching in EPISD should contact their educator preparation program. Typically, fall student teacher placements are made in April and May and again in October and November for the Spring semester.  After sharing placements with student teachers, requirements specific to each educator preparation program will be shared with the cooperating teacher by the program’s coordinator or field supervisor.

Criminal History Checks

Each student teacher, intern, and observer must have a current, cleared criminal history check before arriving on any campus. EPISD completes criminal history checks for students interested in student teaching, interning, or observing in our classrooms.  This process includes students completing a short application through our TEAMS system. Please contact Rosa Celis at rcelis1@episd.org or 915-230-2022 for more information on the process.

Student Teacher Orientation

A required Student Teacher Orientation is held each semester for incoming student teachers. During this orientation, we share EPISD's expectations related to ethics & conduct and provide an overview of the district’s initiatives, programs, and online tools and platforms available to student teachers. In addition, the EPISD Professional Learning team engages participants in a session focused on building relationships with students and district leaders provide information on the hiring process, so that those interested in securing a teaching job upon graduation can continue their teaching careers in EPISD. 

Cooperating Teachers

EPISD offers effective teachers the opportunity to share their vast knowledge and expertise in the area of teaching and learning with student teachers, interns, and observers from partnering educator preparation programs. Cooperating teachers are lifelong learners who successfully implement best practices, are proficient collaborators and communicators, and are dedicated to supporting future educators. Effective cooperating teachers are an integral part of the development and success of the student teacher. 

Educator Preparation Program Partners 

• Angelo State University
• Baylor University
• Eastern New Mexico University
• Emerson College
• Grand Canyon University
• Lamar University
• Liberty University
• Maricopa County Community College
• National Louis University
• Sul Ross State University
• Teachers of Tomorrow LLC
• Texas Tech University
• Texas Woman's University
• University of Denver & their Graduate School of Social Work
• University of Phoenix, Inc.
• University of Texas at Arlington
• University of Texas at El Paso
• Walden University LLC

Are you an educator preparation program interested in partnering with El Paso ISD?
For Observations contact Rosa Celis at 915-230-2022 or rcelis1@episd.org 
For Internships and Residents contact Christopher Smith at cdsmith@episd.org