Clinical Field Experiences represent the heart of our education preparation program and provide a wide array of opportunities for teacher candidates and other education professionals to refine, polish, and strengthen practice. Each semester the Center for Clinical Experiences makes approximately 350 clinical placements which encompass elementary and secondary experiences from Pre-Student Teaching to Student Teaching. Coursework requiring a clinical field experience component serve as an integral part of all professional education courses, augmenting specific relevant issues.
Clinical experiences are intended to provide teacher candidates with opportunities to participate in the entire scope of teaching. By participating in classroom settings and developing the knowledge and skills necessary, teacher candidates grow to become effective practitioners. Field and clinical experiences begin with observations and build gradually to full responsibility as a student teacher under the close supervision of skilled teachers and university supervisors.
From the first semester in EDU 107 through the capstone student teaching experience, students learn to teach through a wide variety of clinical experiences developed in partnerships with school districts across Michigan and beyond. Students looking to broaden their horizons may take part in a faculty-led, global experiences in both their pre-student teaching and student teaching days.
Mission Statement
To provide students with opportunities for diverse and high quality experiences through pedagogy, practice, and partnerships.
Center Goals 2016-17
Continue partnership development and strengthen the relationships between CMU and P-12 schools.
Expand the integration of Special Education and General Education clinical experiences in ways that continue to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of clinical experiences.
Provide professional development for University Coordinators and Teacher Candidates to increase the quality of the clinical experiences for both faculty and teacher candidates.
Implement the plan for integrating the Co-Teaching model into the clinical experiences.
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Assess the reorganization of the student teaching centers and seminars to determine if additional issues/topics need to be addressed.
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Address Standard 2 Clinical Program and Partnership modifications as outlined in the CAEP Inquiry Brief findings.
