A variety of school-based experiences are required prior to the student teaching assignment. Evaluations of these field experiences are used as supporting data for admission into the teacher education major and student teaching. Teaching experiences with individuals, small groups and whole classes provide an opportunity to relate theory and practice in an actual educational setting prior to student teaching. All teacher licensure programs require candidates to participate in the following experiences prior to student teaching.
Educational Foundations Experience:
EDU2215L Educational Foundations Lab
During the sophomore year and prior to admission to the Teacher Education Program, the student must complete the minimum of a 20-hour field experience in a school setting as required in the course EDU2215. Students are placed at the level of licensure and every effort is made to place the students in their major field. This field experience consists of classroom observation, tutoring individual students, assisting the classroom teacher in preparation of materials and/or working with small groups. Evaluation of the experience is completed by the classroom teacher.
Human Relations Experiences:
EDU3209L Human Relations Lab Part I (Diverse Classroom Field Experience)
Upon being admitted into the School of Education Teacher Education Program, the student must complete the minimum of a 30-hour field experience in either an elementary or secondary setting with a significant minority population as required in the course EDU3209. An evaluation form is completed by the classroom teacher. (See Human Relations requirements.) This placement includes 10 field experience hours also associated with EDU3218L Educating Diverse Learners K-12 Lab or EDU3248L Educating Diverse Learners PK-8 Lab.
EDU3209L Human Relations Lab Part II (Diverse Non-classroom Field Experience)
Upon being admitted into the School of Education Teacher Education Program, the student must complete a 30-hour experience with an ethnic group other than the student's own. An evaluation of the experience by a supervisor must be received.
Observation/Participation Experience in Methods Courses:
During the junior and senior years, students are required to complete methodology courses in their licensure field. Each of these courses requires students to observe and participate in field experiences in appropriate classroom settings in the cooperating schools. Evaluations are completed by both classroom teachers and the University Supervisors. For information regarding specific requirements, see your advisor in your major.
Students are expected to arrange for their own transportation to and from field experiences; however, every effort is made to accommodate students without vehicles in pre-student teaching field experiences.
NOTE: Students must plan to provide their own transporation during student teaching.