Field Experience

Field Experience (EDUC 205) begins early in the education major's career at St. Ambrose University. The course provides orientation to the performance-based approach utilized in teacher education at St. Ambrose. The course is intended for student with no prior PK - 12 observational experience who are considering a career in education. Majors are required to complete 50 hours of field observations the semester they enroll in the course.

Majors in the course are placed in a variety of teaching areas (early childhood, elementary, secondary, and K-12). Suggested activities for majors to engage in during the 50 hour experience include observation, working with small and large groups of students, working one-on-one with students, supervising students, completing daily administrative tasks for teachers such as grading and lesson preparation, interviewing school personnel, and participating in extra curricular activities

Requirements for admission into the Teacher Education Program are met through this course. This includes taking the Praxis I exam, completing required observation hours, fulfilling course requirements, and obtaining appropriate forms of recommendation.

Note: Student with previous work in PK-12 school settings or who transfer in a similar course with at least 50 hours of practicum experience should enroll in Orientation to Teaching (EDUC 207). The prerequisites for both beginning courses are a minimum of 15 college credit hours completed before enrolling.