Field Placement

The School of Education faculty strongly believes in the importance of field experiences as a means of exposing students to the practice of teaching in professional settings and reinforcing the conceptual work introduced in University classrooms. These field experiences begin in the first year and continue through the completion of student teaching in the senior year.

Students participating in field experiences must register their state-mandated clearances with the American DataBank prior to each semester. Click HERE for more information on field experience requirements.

First Year & Sophomore Year – Observations

First year and sophomore field experience requirements are embedded in specific course work. These field experiences are directed by course instructors and are aligned carefully with program outcomes. Click HERE to visit the Field Placement webpage for more information on Observation requirements.

Junior Year - The Practicum

Students in the junior year will register for and complete a Practicum experience in both the fall and spring semesters. The Practicum experience consists of a full-day placement in a school setting for a given day each week for the duration of the semester. The Practicum experience is coordinated by the Field Placement Office. Students must complete and submit an application to that Office by the appropriate due date for both fall and spring placement. Click HERE to visit the Field Placement webpage for more information on Practicum requirements.

Senior Year - Student Teaching

Students in the senior year will register for and complete a semester-long student teaching experience. Student teaching is a supervised experience in which the student is paired with a cooperating teacher in a school setting and supported by a University supervisor. The student teaching experience is coordinated by the Field Placement Office. Students must complete and submit an application to that Office by the appropriate due date for either fall or spring placement. Click HERE to visit the Field Placement webpage for more information on student teaching requirements.

Advanced Practicum in Special Education

EDSP 566, Advanced Practicum in Special Education, serves as a supervised field experience at an assigned school site and selected grade level. Aspects of service and education to students with disabilities are explored, including assessment, development of an appropriate individualized education program, on-going instruction, and monitoring of progress. Family involvement and attention to education in the least restrictive environment will be concurrent issues associated throughout the experience. Click HERE to visit the Field Placement for Advanced Practicum in Special Education webpage for more information on requirements.

Partner School Districts

The University partners with a large variety of local districts and schools for the purpose of satisfying field experience requirements. These districts and schools differ by semester dependent upon local circumstances, but do include public, private and parochial settings.