Field Experiences
State and national licensure standards mandate that teacher licensure be contingent upon both the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and classroom performance. Performance-based programs, while also fulfilling certification standards, provide opportunities for teacher candidates to demonstrate the nine Greenville University School of Education program outcomes and the four candidate dispositions.
Field experiences progress from simplistic assignments in classrooms to more intense instructional work with students. They are supervised by qualified classroom teachers.
All candidates seeking teacher certification must participate in field experiences. Field experiences are embedded in all courses leading to the professional internship (student teaching).
Candidates seeking teacher certification must be able to help all students learn, regardless of their gender, ethnic background, or socio-economic status. Typically, diversity designations include gender, persons who are African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian-Pacific Islander, low socio-economic, religious, or special needs.
Most schools have diverse enrollments, but state and national standards require teacher candidates to have field experiences with minority students. The Teacher Education Program requires that between 20% to 40% of the experiences will be with minority children and youth.
As a guest in the classroom of a mentoring teacher and school district, candidates are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the high moral and ethical standards of the Teacher Education Program and of the host school. Candidates will be actively engaged in the class, using skills to facilitate instruction in one-on-one situations, small group work, or in full classroom activities. The host teacher is a mentor who deserves attention and respect. As a practicing professional, appropriate dress is required.
Field experiences will be sufficient enough to assure that candidates meet the specific goals and outcomes of the courses (typically between 15 and 30 hours per course are required).