Field-based experiences, defined as time spent in a classroom setting working with students and teachers in a grade level or content area of certification sought, are an important part of the teacher candidate’s preparation in becoming a professional certified teacher in the state of Texas. These experiences in real-life classrooms provide teacher candidates with on overview of the teaching profession as well as opportunities to apply and evaluate related theories and concepts taught in the program. This part of the program is designed to introduce prospective teachers to educational experiences in a variety of appropriate settings, including teaching exceptional and diverse populations in ways that capitalize on students’ special strengths and provide effective instructional practices to address areas of academic need.
Overview
Field-based experiences enrich the academic course work by providing teacher candidates with the opportunity to observe and assist teachers with activities that reinforce lesson concepts and skills, tutor individual students, and fulfill any other field assignments related to their preparation program. A minimum of 50 hours is required to be completed in a classroom setting. Students may exceed 50 hours based on semester, instructor, dates, and times at the district and within the given field course at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).
Since our students have different school schedules and our partner districts have various needs, we offer two options for field-based experiences:
- Structured Early Field for students who attend UTRGV morning classes. Students complete structured field during UTRGV class times.
- Elementary teacher candidates are required to attend as designated by their program and district; more details will be given by the program.
- Secondary/all levels teacher candidates are required to attend as designated by their program and district; more details will be given by the program.
- UTCH arrangements of field is created by the program.
Course instructors accompany teacher candidates to the field placement.
- Semi-Structured Field for teacher candidates who attend UTRGV afternoon classes. These candidates select the day of the week that accommodates their schedule. More details will be given by the program.