[Dickinson College] Education Department

Field Experiences

Field experiences are designed to help prospective teachers understand the rigors of teaching and to observe master teachers at work. State regulations for certification require field experiences prior to students teaching. Hours of observation and participation vary depending on course requirements as noted below:

EDUC 121 - Foundations of Education

Minimum 20-hour field experience
Students develop observational skills, and become actively engaged in the beginning elements of teaching

EDUC 221 - Educational Psychology

Minimum 20-hour field experience
Students receive additional experience in observing and analyzing schools and classrooms as well as tutoring

EDUC 333 - Models of Instruction for Diverse Learners

Minimum 15-hour field experience
Students continue to observe and analyze classrooms and begin to implement lessons based on models of instruction for diverse learners.
Normally you will be assigned to the teacher with whom you will student teach.

Each student is assigned to a host teacher in an area school district. The host teacher and student identify a mutually agreeable schedule for school visitation. Assignments to field experiences outside of the city of Carlisle are required for EDUC 221, EDUC 333, and the professional semester. Please click on "Field Experience and Student Teaching Professional Guidelines" to view expectations for appearance and conduct for students who are involved in field experiences and student teaching.

Students are required to provide their own transportation to field experiences. For Social Foundations placements are normally in Carlisle (within 1.5 miles of campus). Most students walk to those locations. Field experiences in all other courses are in Carlisle and regional schools. They are within easy driving distance of the college.

Mission Statement