(a) Any primary or secondary school which has been accredited by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may be entitled to assignments of student teachers from institutions of higher education in this state, irrespective of accreditation by any other agency, private or public.
(b) Any school district board of directors desiring to cooperate with any tax-supported institution of higher education one (1) of whose functions is the training of teachers is authorized to enter into a contract with the board of trustees of the institution for the operation and maintenance of a public school, grades one through twelve (1-12) or any part thereof, located in the county, to be used for training school purposes by the institution.
(c) The school district boards of directors in this state are authorized to enter into contracts with colleges and universities for the use of student teachers in the public schools.
(d) The State Board of Education, by rules, may approve students authorized by the college to do student teaching.
(e) Student teachers in the public schools shall, while engaged in the performance of their student teaching duties, enjoy the same immunities provided by law for teachers in the public schools.