Office of Clinical Experiences & Candidate Services

As you move through each stage of field experience and become more involved in the classroom, you will strengthen your ability to make reflective and deliberate decisions that support and extend the learning of all students. We ask you to seek opportunities to refine your craft, collaborate with the professionals around you, and keep students at the forefront of your decisions.

*Field experiences are defined as a range of formal, required school and community activities participated in by candidates in teacher preparation programs, under the supervision and mentorship of a classroom teacher.

• Stage I: Observation-Candidates observe in a variety of education and education-related settings.
• Stage II: Exploration-candidate works under a certified teacher's direction with a small group of students. Activities could include tutoring, helping with assignments, and so forth.
• Stage III: Pre-Student Teaching-candidates work with small groups of students in school settings under the supervision of a certified teacher but will not be in full control of a class. (Teacher Candidacy Required)

*PDE Framework, K-12 Program Framework Guidelines (pa.gov)

• Upon enrolling in a WCU course with a Field Experience component, an automated notification is sent to you, alerting you of necessary clearance requirements.
• The Office of Clinical Experiences works to provide a placement in the subject area and grade band that is appropriate for the course, and located within a one hour’s drive from the university.
• We do not assign field placements based on home address or living situation, and we expect candidates to have access to some form of transportation.
• Timeline: If our office has received all necessary clearances required, we will send documents to your assigned school/site for approval. You will be notified by either our office or your course instructor when it is appropriate to contact the assigned teacher.
• Visits to field classrooms most typically begin early in the semester. Further details are provided by your course instructor.

There are specific expectations and requirements that go along with each different field experience course, but WCU expects all field candidates to show up on time, appropriately dressed, and to behave with integrity in all of their interactions with you and your candidates.

How Can I Be an Effective Mentor to A Field Experience Candidate? 

• Beginning considerations: Where to park, office check-in procedures, how should they address you, where may they place their things in your classroom, how should they contact you?
• Share expectations you have for your classroom. 
• Be a model of effective instruction. 
• Communicate clearly and often – explaining the what, when, how, and why is helpful (making the invisible, visible). 
• Allow the WCU candidate to first observe your instruction, then encourage participation and involvement in any and all aspects of running a classroom, to the degree that is appropriate for all involved. Note: Candidates’ involvement and interaction is appropriate to the degree both the mentor and WCU candidate are ready.
• Guide observation of methods or of particular interactions or a specific student/s if applicable.
• Invite assistance with classroom tasks, individual students, or small groups as appropriate.
• Provide access to curriculum guides, textbooks, or any resources beneficial to your setting.
• Provide feedback and positive guidance. 
• Communicate with the WCU field course faculty and/or our office for questions or concerns. 
• When in doubt, think about your own teacher preparation and support the WCU candidate with anything that would have been helpful to you at that point.

What Can I do if I have an Issue or Concern?

• Remind the WCU field student of your classroom and school expectations if necessary.
• We invite you to stay in close contact with the WCU field course instructor, as they are your first line of contact should you have any questions or experience any issues.
• If you need additional assistance navigating an issue, you may contact the Office of Clinical Experiences.  We will be happy to help.
  

How can I become a Mentor Teacher for a Field Expereince Candidate? 

• If you are not already a mentor for a WCU field experience but would like to become one, please contact Lainie Harkins, lharkins@wcupa.edu 
• Many school districts keep a list of willing mentor teachers, so checking with your principal or even district office to learn their process might be helpful as well.