FAQs about Clinical Experiences

 

WHAT ARE CLINICAL EXPERIENCES?

Certification students must complete established clock hours observing and participating in assigned classrooms under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and sometimes a supervisor.  The clinical experiences offer teacher certification candidates the opportunity to participate in a variety of diverse education settings and grade levels.  Some clinical experiences are integrated with teacher education courses.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COOPERATING TEACHER AND THE SUPERVISOR?

Some early clinical experiences work only with the cooperating teacher.  The cooperating teacher is the practicing teacher in the classroom where the student is assigned clinical experiences.  The cooperating teacher offers feedback to the students about his or her performance in the classroom.  Some early clinical experiences and student teaching experiences work with both a cooperating teacher and a supervisor.  The supervisor is an employee of the university assigned to mentor the student through scheduled observations in the candidate’s classroom and written and oral feedback. Both the cooperating teacher and the supervisor make recommendations about the candidate’s continuation in the teacher education program.

WHEN AND HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR CLINICAL EXPERIENCES?

The early field clinical experience placements are assigned to students by the Office of Clinical Experiences (OCE).  No applications are needed. Student teaching clinical experiences placements are assigned by the OCE based on student request.  Applications for requests are distributed to students early in the fall semester of their first year and due in the OCE later in the fall.

HOW ARE CLINICAL EXPERIENCES SCHEDULED WITH COOPERATING TEACHERS?

Some of the experiences are scheduled between the student and the cooperating teacher taking into account both participants’ schedules.  Some are scheduled at specific times and days by the OCE.  This information is given to candidates when they enter the teacher education programs.

WHEN DO STUDENTS RECEIVE CONFIRMATION OF PLACEMENTS?

The early field placement letters are sent via email to students at the beginning of the semester of field experience participation. The student teaching clinical experience placement letter is sent via email to students in the fall before the spring semester experience.

WHEN DO STUDENTS CONTACT THEIR COOPERATING TEACHER?

Teacher candidates contact the cooperating teacher as soon as the placement confirmation is received to make arrangements for a visit, to discuss scheduling and to exchange contact information.

WHAT DO STUDENTS DO IF THEY CAN’T MAKE IT TO THEIR PLACEMENT?

Cooperating teachers rely on the student’s attendance and punctuality.  If, due to an emergency, you are unable to arrive at your clinical experience by the scheduled time, contact the teacher and/or school by phone to let them know of your absence.

WHAT KIND OF IMPRESSION SHOULD THE STUDENT WANT TO MAKE?

Clinical experience is the launching of your professional career in teaching.  Cooperating teachers are often asked by students to provide recommendations for future employment because of their first hand knowledge of how candidates work with students each day.  Candidates will want to be exemplary in professional conduct, appearance, and carrying through with all responsibilities. 

WHAT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM THE PLACEMENT?

Transportation to and from the clinical experience is the candidate’s responsibility.  Placements are arranged so carpooling can be facilitated by the students, but carpooling is not required.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE?

The clinical experience is a critical piece in the development of becoming a teacher.  It should be given first priority over personal obligations and commitments.

WHERE DO I GO FOR HELP WITH MY RESUME AND LETTER OF INTEREST?

You can receive resume and letter of interest suggestions from Davida Bluhm. You can schedule an appointment with her by calling 217-333-0740 or by emailing bluhm@illinois.edu.