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:

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

• Minimum 15-hour field experience
• Students develop observational skills, and become actively engaged in working with English language learners.

• Minimum 20-hour field experience
• Students continue to observe and analyze classrooms and begin to implement lessons based on issues and trends in the specific subject area.

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 350, EDUC352/353/354/355/356, and the professional semester. View expectations for appearance and conduct for students who are involved in field experiences and student teaching in the Field Experience and Student Teaching Professional Guidelines.

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