Practicum

Practicum

Practicum experiences range from guided observations in multiple educational settings to tutoring students and co-teaching mini-lessons in classrooms to facilitating small group learning activities and teaching complete lessons in large classrooms. Practica serve to ground material from the professional studies courses to the lived experiences of the actual world of teaching—by observing, by participating, by designing and executing, with mentor teachers’ guidance and approval, lessons prior to internships.  Experiences and observations in practica will be the foundation of discussion in classes and so are integral parts of course work.  Teacher candidates cannot pass a course with practicum requirements without concurrently passing the practicum.

All students are to read the Clinical Experiences Handbook, complete their clearances, and have proof of professional liability insurance. Students are also responsible for recording and submitting their practicum hours and maintaining high professional standards and behavior. See practicum placement polices, forms & professional competencies below.

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Practicum Placement Policies, Forms & Competencies

Practicum Placement Policy and Process

1. Mentor teachers are solicited to work with specific programs based on the recommendations of instructional faculty and school-based administrators. School administrators confirm availability and schedules of mentor teachers.
2. The Director of Clinical Experiences, with input from UMW CoE faculty, mentor teachers and school administrators, makes all practicum placements.  Structured, diverse experiences (with regard to student population, school divisions, grade levels, and subject/ content areas), transportation concerns for undergraduate students, schedules, and course requirements all comprise the placement decision process.
3. The Director of Clinical Experiences distributes placement information via email with teacher candidates, mentor teachers, and school administrators.
4. The Director of Clinical Experiences electronically (email) distributes confirmation letters to teachers and assignment lists to program coordinators and school administrators.

Tracking and Submitting your Practicum Hours

Please use the Practicum Hours Log to track your practicum hours. Professors will not accept your Practicum Hours Log or give you credit for the hours unless you have filled in all information fields.

Meeting Professional Competencies

All teacher candidates are to maintain high professional standards and behavior in practicum experiences. Mentor Teachers and students will complete the Professional Competencies Form in specific practicum-bearing courses throughout their time in the program and during their internship.

Clearances

Students placed in practicum sites may need to meet certain clearances. Clearances vary by school district. Students are responsible for obtaining the appropriate clearances. Below is a list of commonly used school districts and their requirements.

Please refer to the College of Education Canvas page under Practicum Information for specifics for each district.

For any questions regarding clinical experiences, practicum and/or internships, please contact:

Kristina Peck
Director of Clinical Experiences
Phone: (540) 654-1351
Email: kpeck@umw.edu
Seacobeck Hall, Room 207

Dr. Laura Goll
Associate Director of Assessment and Clinical Experiences
Phone: (540) 654-1034
Email: lgoll@umw.edu
Seacobeck Hall, Room 208