All students in the Education Division must complete a clinical component to graduate and to become certified in their discipline.  Each program has specific expectations and requirements based on the minimum established by the New York Stated Education Department.  The clinical component includes time spent in schools, libraries or mental health facilities working with children and professionals in your field of study. If you want to know more about the specific requirements for your program please contact your program leadership directly. Requirements to participate in clinical experiences can include fingerprint clearance, pre-requisite courses, course GPAs and/or permission from your program leadership.  For students in the teacher education programs specifically, there is a Field Placement Office in Powdermaker Hall Rm 135.  There you will find the Field Placement Coordinators and can contact the clinical professors who work in concert with the programs to help you have an appropriate learning opportunity in your clinical experience.

Student Teaching is one of the most important components of the professional preparation of teachers. This experience will have a great impact on your professional development. We ask that you try to coordinate and plan your personal and professional life to include sufficient time for student teaching. We advise that you plan to work hard, take the initiative, and enjoy the experience. Please keep in mind that you are a guest in the school and that it is a privilege to be accepted as a teacher candidate in a cooperating teacher’s classroom.