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A central component of all teacher education programs at Bloomsburg University is the provision of quality field experiences. Field experiences are defined as the formal, required school and community activities within teacher preparation program in which the candidate completes for the purpose of learning and professional development. These experiences broaden the teacher candidate’s understanding of effective classroom instruction and establish a platform for the transfer of theory and translation of research into practice.

Effective field experiences provide each candidate with increasing exposure to schools under the guidance of program faculty and trained teacher mentors throughout the preparation program. These field experiences are closely integrated with coursework, assessment practices and program goals. The emphasis on sequential field experiences is evidenced within the Conceptual Framework, COE Strategic Plan and each individual program design.

Bloomsburg University candidates are placed in schools and education-related settings where they obtain relevant field experiences under the supervision of model Cooperating Teachers and experienced University Faculty. The candidates interact with a diverse PK-12 student population as they develop the knowledge, skills and professional dispositions to become effective teachers and education professionals. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the University provide clear expectations for performance during field and clinical experiences.