Field Experience

Field experiences are 50-hour placements prior to student teaching to allow candidates opportunities to explore pedagogical knowledge and skills in a variety of classroom settings to best evaluate their impact on student learning.

Coursework Connection

All field experience placements are connected to candidates’ specific coursework and have an accompanying syllabus that outlines the learning activities aligned to course assignments. Candidates should discuss the syllabus with their SBE at the initial meeting in order to establish a plan for the experience. 

Field Experience Expectations

Participation

Candidates are expected to work out a mutually agreed upon schedule with the school based educator so that they are in the classroom for 4 – 6 hours per week for the duration of the semester. Candidates are required to be active participants and demonstrate initiative in the field. Please provide opportunities for them to assist you in any way possible. Some examples are daily attendance or record keeping, preparing materials, grading papers, working 1:1 with students, preparing classroom activities, assisting with transitioning students to other classrooms, facilitating routine procedures (e.g., bell work, calendar), tutoring students who need extra support, working with small groups and attending meetings if appropriate. Candidates should not be left unsupervised in the classroom.

Guidance with Suggested Activities

The following list is a suggested compilation of activities to help guide a clinical field experience:

  • Welcome the candidate to the school community by introducing them to students and colleagues.
  • Provide a building tour, class list, seating chart and daily schedule.
  • Create a mutually agreed upon schedule for the semester.
  • Review the syllabus and expectations with the candidate to make a plan for the semester.
  • Discuss the expectations and progress regularly.
  • Help them to become familiar with the building and all emergency procedures. (fire, lockdown drills)
  • Encourage candidates to be active and proactive participants in the classroom.
  • Encourage candidates to assist with other school duties such as bus/hallway supervision, transitions, tutoring, etc.
  • Encourage candidates to participate in after-school activities, open houses, family nights, faculty meetings, etc. where appropriate.
  • Encourage candidates to understand, and appreciate diversity, and to demonstrate this by creating learning experiences that honor diversity.
  • Provide honest and specific feedback frequently. Constructive criticism and praise are important in laying the groundwork for a candidate to improve their teaching skills. 

Professionalism

Candidates will demonstrate professional behavior at all times with students, faculty, and school staff. They should demonstrate respectful, inclusive practice and strictly maintain student and family confidentiality and privacy. They are expected to dress, speak, and act in a professional manner while in the field. If you have any concerns about professionalism, please contact the Director of Clinical Experiences, Allison Bosworth, at abosworth@sjf.edu.