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Eugene School District 4J

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  3. University Student Placement Process
  4. University Students

University Students

University Students

Eugene School District 4J university student placements are divided into two categories. You can use the definitions below to determine the appropriate category for your placement with 4J. If you are unsure which category your placement is in, please contact your university supervisor. 

Please note: This placement process is for undergraduate and graduate university students enrolled in credit-earning coursework, including field study, clinical practicum, student teaching, externships, and internships.

Category 1

Field Study/Observation/Volunteer Placement

This placement category includes university students enrolled in teacher preparation or education-related programs who are completing early field experiences such as field study, observation, volunteering, or classroom assistance as part of their coursework.

These placements are typically part of introductory or exploratory education classes designed to expose students to real-world classroom environments.

Students in this category are expected to observe, assist, and engage with students and staff under the guidance of a host teacher but are not responsible for planning or delivering instruction.

Students do not require access to 4J student information systems or digital learning platforms.

Category 2

Practicum/Student Teaching/Professional Service Placement

This placement group includes university students who are actively teaching K–12 students under the guidance of a Cooperating Teacher (CT) or are providing a professional-level service (e.g., counseling, social work) under the supervision of a Cooperating Professional (CP) as part of their educator preparation or related program.

These placements involve active instructional or professional responsibilities, including lesson planning, delivery, assessment, or providing direct student support services.

Students in this category require access to 4J student information systems and learning platforms to complete their placement successfully.

Getting Started

All student teacher candidates are required to complete the following tasks and receive an approval notification from 4J’s HR Student Teachers email before they can begin working in a school.

Category 2 students have additional tasks to complete after finishing this section.

Please remember: every step in this process takes time. Plan at least 2 weeks ahead and give yourself plenty of time to ensure everything is complete before your first day on-site. 

  • Applications for the 2025-26 school year are now open!

    Please apply here to begin the process.

    Please note: a new, updated application is required if you are moving from Category 1 to Category 2 or if any of your personal information changes. Multiple applications are required if you are placed with multiple host teachers or at multiple locations.

  • Submit your background check via our Volunteer Application. This webpage has additional information on rules, requirements, and contacts.

    This process can take up to two weeks! Please use your university email address when filling out your application. 

    Important notes: 4J background checks are good for two years; you are required to maintain your background check during your time in our program. If your background check expires, you will be required to submit a new application. If you are a current 4J employee, you do not need to submit a new background check. 

    If you have any questions or want to check on your application approval, email or call Volunteer Support at 541-790-7693. 

  • SafeSchools will become available the first week of July for each upcoming school year. Please wait until you receive your reminder email to complete your training.

    You are required to complete all training modules assigned to you before you can begin your placement. You will receive an email titled “Vector Training, K-12 Edition Online Training” from a 4J email address, prompting you to login to SafeSchools. If you do not receive your training email 7 business days after your background check is approved, please contact HR Student Teachers. Remember to check your spam folder.

    If you are a current 4J employee, you will not need to complete additional courses. However, you must be up-to-date on all your staff modules.

  • If you are a category 2 student, you are required to have a few extra items for your placement. Please review your requirements here.

After You're Approved

Once you’ve completed all your prerequisite steps and have been fully approved to begin working in one of our schools, your university placement coordinator will reach out to connect you with your university supervisor and 4J host teacher. Working expectations, your program syllabus, and other details will be addressed collaboratively.

 

Signing In at School

  • You are required to have clearance at each location where you will be working.

    When you arrive at your building:

    1. You must sign in and out of the building every day using the 4J Raptor security system in the main office. 
    2. Select the “volunteer” category in Raptor and search for your name. If you cannot locate your name, you have not completed your prerequisite steps. To confirm you are cleared at that particular location, please contact HR Student Teachers.
    3. A paper ID badge will be printed at the kiosk; you must wear your ID at all times within your building. 

  • Your badge must be worn at all times while inside your building. 

     

    Remember, your completed badge will be sent to the school/building you listed in your request email! If you need a reminder on how to request your badge, review the Additional Tasks for Category 2 Students.