Field Experience

Engaged field experiences are integrated throughout the Master of Science in Education and Social Policy program. These field experiences provide candidates with opportunities to work in community with students, educators, families, and others. These experiences are coordinated by our program and connected with coursework so candidates are supported in sensemaking as they develop pedagogical practices, understandings, dispositions, and professional reflection.

Linked Clinical Experiences

During the final year, teacher candidates complete a year of clinical experiences in a school with their mentor teachers. In fall quarter, engaged practicum is two days per week, beginning with the school year. Practicum consists of:

Reflective observations
Mini-lessons
Small group instruction
Assessment and feedback

Following practicum, candidates plan and teach a multi-day lesson sequence for their teacher performance assessment.

Student Teaching

Winter Quarter

Student teaching is during the winter quarter, usually at the practicum site. Working full-time under a mentor teacher and clinical supervisor, Elementary teacher candidates are the primary teachers for all core subjects (language arts, math, science, and social studies). Concurrently, students attend an on-campus student teaching seminar in which they discuss and reflect upon their student teaching experiences together.

Spring Quarter

Teacher candidates will stay connected with the same school but work specifically with multilingual learners. Specific schedules will be worked out individually with the field placement coordinator. During this quarter, teacher candidates will also be completing two courses for their ESL and Bilingual endorsements and will complete field-based assignments at their school.