Fieldwork Placement and Expectations

Fieldwork Placement

After applying for fieldwork in an Education class, students are notified regarding their placement in class by their instructor or by phone by the Placement Coordinator. Instructors and the Placement Coordinator work together but most questions about fieldwork should be directed to the Placement Coordinator: Barb Thompson at bthompson@stkate.edu or (651) 690-8656. (Instructors should forward e-mails and calls to the Placement Coordinator.)

The confirmation will be made either in writing, by e-mail or phone. It will include the teacher’s name, the school, and telephone number. Placement confirmations come in at different times over the first month of the term. Students should not be concerned if they do not receive a confirmation for several weeks. There are usually 100 to 150 placements to arrange every term.

The student calls the teacher to set up the first visit. Each student will receive an envelope containing materials for the teacher, including an evaluation form and a list of suggested activities for the student to do. These packets are also available in the Education Office. The student will give the envelope to the teacher on the first fieldwork visit.

Fieldwork Expectations

Students are expected to be active in the classroom during their visits to the school. They should interact with the students and teacher. They should assist the teacher and students with instructional and non-instructional tasks in order to get a feel for how a classroom and school works. A list of suggested classroom activities should be kept in mind if the student has questions about what to do in fieldwork.

As mentioned in the introduction the student is training for the profession of teaching and therefore should use a professional manner during his/her fieldwork. Be on time and arrive on the planned day. Do not cancel a fieldwork visit at the last minute unless it is absolutely necessary.

Professional dress, appearance, and communication are important when it comes to giving a good impression during fieldwork. Remember that the teacher and school may not be exactly what you anticipate, so learn from something that may be new to you.

Teachers usually base part of their evaluation on the CSC student’s professionalism and commitment to their fieldwork.