Field experiences are characterized by communication, collaboration, and accountability in an environment in which candidates implement practices associated with professional learning. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires all candidates to meet intensive, field-based performance competencies in four stages of field experiences. The four stages of field experiences at PennWest include a variety of school-based opportunities that begin early in the program of study (Stage 1), are ongoing throughout the program (Stages 2 & 3) and culminate with student teaching (Stage 4).

Progressive Components of Field Experiences

Field experiences move through stages that increase in intensity and components which allow teacher candidates to progress from observing to teaching students and culminating with student teaching.

Goals

The field experience courses and the field-associated courses in the Education Department at PennWest provide teacher candidates the opportunity to meet PDE requirements, program requirements, and college-wide standards and outcomes established for field experiences in teacher education. These standards and outcomes are aligned with the clinical preparation standards delineated by the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP). In field experience courses, candidates apply the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions gained in program coursework while they are in an actual school setting.

Field Experience Handbook

You can find more information about your field experiences in the Field Experience Handbook.