Practice makes perfect! So RCOE students work in real classrooms, early and often.
The Office of Field Experiences manages all field experiences for the Reich College of Education.
All Appalachian State University teacher education programs that lead to licensure or a similar credential require multiple site-based field experiences throughout the program as well as on-campus and regional meetings prior to and during student teaching.
All students participating in field experiences must complete a Criminal Background Check. Reports are valid for six months.
- All teacher education field experiences will be conducted in person and with a school App State has an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). Students who are enrolled in these courses will receive more information once the semester begins.
- Teacher education methods-based internships will vary by program and department. The instructor for these courses will provide more detailed information as these internships are course-specific.
- Student teachers will follow the expectations and schedule of the clinical educator and the school in which they are assigned. Students in the professional school counseling program will follow the expectations and schedule of the school in which they are assigned.
- Students in the clinical mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy programs will follow the expectations and schedule of the agency and site in which they are assigned.
For specific questions regarding teacher education field experiences, please email group-ofe@appstate.edu.
For specific questions regarding counseling and therapy internships and practicums, please email your program field experience coordinator.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Dr. Christina Rosen at rosencm@appstate.edu
- Marriage and Family Therapy - Dr. Tatjana Farley at farleytm@appstate.edu
- Professional School Counseling - Dr. Glenda Johnson at johnsong@appstate.edu
Professional Core Field Experiences
All teacher education candidates are involved in field experiences which focus upon specific teaching and learning concepts and seek to support learners in a variety of ways and in various contexts. Learn more about the professional core courses and the field experience requirements!
Methods-based Internships/Practicums
Methods-based field experiences are connected to methods courses and are designed to build upon the professional core field experiences to provide increased classroom and teaching experience as a bridge to Clinical Internship. Each program has a required number of field hours along with varied assignments designated by the program area. Supervision is provided by the program area faculty. All field placements are made by the Office of Field Experiences in cooperation with school district officials.
Student Teaching
Student teaching is the capstone experience of teacher preparation. Courses in teacher education have presented you with a variety of ideas and opportunities to learn about teaching. Now it is time for you to put the knowledge, skills, and experience to practice. Learn more about student teaching!
Appalachian State University encourages global learning; therefore, the Office of Field Experiences strives to provide its teacher candidates with a well-rounded education through multi-cultural and international opportunities. Students seeking the North Carolina teaching license are afforded opportunities to complete a portion of the student teaching experience in another country. Learn more about these opportunities!
Explanation of Students' Rights During Field Placements
Because the purpose of field placement is to gain experience as a teacher and a colleague, should a teacher candidate have a concern about their field placement, we urge them wherever possible to make the attempt to deal with the issue in a collegial and professional way.
- RCOE teacher candidates, while in field placements, remain students of Appalachian State University and are entitled to the same rights and protections as on campus.
- It is unacceptable for any teacher candidate to feel threatened or unsafe in their field placement.
- The RCOE Office of Field Experiences will take every possible step to ensure the best possible professional settings for all, but we acknowledge that we cannot anticipate every possible challenge.
If a student needs assistance, please note the following resources:
- Your instructor or field supervisor
- Department Chair of your program
- Emma Hatfield-Sidden, Director of Clinical Education
- Dr. Monica Lambert, Associate Dean for Educator Preparation and Student Affairs
- Office of Access and Equity
The college stands committed to the safety of every student regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religion. This commitment extends to students in all field placements.