Purdue SPRINT

SPRINT teacher candidates must complete 350 clinical teaching hours (equivalent to 10 weeks student teaching) distributed across four categories: Traditional Classroom, Informal Education, Extended Academic Experiences, and Mentorship/Professional Development. Unlike traditional student-teaching models, SPRINT offers flexibility by allowing candidates to accumulate diverse teaching experiences throughout their time at Purdue, beginning as early as their sophomore year. Candidates are strongly encouraged to obtain an Indiana substitute teaching license and begin logging hours immediately upon entering the program. Contact hours will be tracked by the College of Science.

• Requirement: 350 clinical teaching hours across four experiential categories. Students will choose from the following options to their Clinical Teaching Experience.
  • K-12 classroom placements – experiences must span grades 5-12 in STEM subjects
  • Substitute teaching (maximum 200 hours)
  • Undergraduate TA positions (maximum 100 hours over two semesters)
  • Informal science education (museums, zoos, outreach programs)
  • Summer teaching programs (e.g. GER2I, Purdue camps, CDF Freedom School), and STEM conferences
  • Student-proposed experiences in home districts

▼ Getting Started

What are the benefits of completing the SPRINT Certificate?

✔ Real classroom experience
✔ Enhanced communication and leadership skills
✔ Disciplinary teaching credentials
✔ A high-impact STEM career pathway

Do I need teaching experience before SCI 30100?
No. This course is designed for beginners exploring STEM teaching.

Who can enroll in the SPRINT Certificate?
Current undergraduates in the College of Science · College of Engineering · College of Health and Human Sciences · College of Agriculture · Purdue Polytechnic Institute · Mitch Daniels School of Business

▼ Courses & Scheduling

Can I take SCI 30100 and SCI 30200 together?
Yes, they are designed to be taken concurrently. Most students, though, will take SCI 30100 first to determine their interest in teaching and the certificate.

When can I take SCI 41000 and SCI 41100?
After completing SCI 30100 and SCI 30200. These advanced courses can be taken concurrently. Most students, though, will take SCI 41000 and follow up the next semester with SCI 41100.

What is SCI 30100 like?
SCI 30100 is a discussion-based course focused on foundational teaching concepts and exploration.

▼ Learning Experience

Will I get hands-on experience?
Yes. Across the program, you will:

• Design lessons and labs
• Use educational technology and AI tools
• Practice instructional strategies

What kinds of skills will I develop?

• Lesson planning and instructional design
• Teaching critical thinking and problem-solving
• Classroom management and engagement
• Assessment and feedback strategies

▼ Clinical Hours

When should I start logging hours?
As early as your sophomore year to stay on track. The College of Science will provide a tracking system to ensure accurate documentation of your teaching hours.

Do I need a substitute teaching license?
It is strongly recommended to help you earn hours more efficiently.

What counts as clinical experience?
A wide range of teaching-related activities, including classrooms, outreach, and informal education count at this time. The State of Indiana provides guidance and thus requirements can change over time. The requirements in place at the time a student starts the certificate are honored if there are later requirement changes.

Ready to Get Started?

• Talk to your academic advisor
• Enroll in SCI 30100
• Begin exploring clinical teaching opportunities

Still have questions? Contact scienceadvising@purdue.edu.