The Office of Field Experiences (OFE) coordinates and supports all field-based learning
experiences for educator preparation programs at 甜瓜视频app. We work
closely with students, faculty, public school partners, clinical educators, and field
supervisors to ensure meaningful, well-structured, and professionally supported placements
across early field experiences, block practica, and internships.
Our office serves as the central hub for placement applications, compliance requirements,
background checks, professional liability insurance, and ongoing support throughout
each stage of the field experience process. We are committed to clear communication,
timely guidance, and strong partnerships that promote high-quality preparation for
future educators.
Whether you are a student preparing to apply for a field placement, a school partner
supporting WCU candidates, or a teacher or supervisor mentoring emerging professionals,
this site provides the resources, timelines, and contacts you need to move forward
with confidence.
APPLY FOR FIELD EXPERIENCES
Each experience has its own requirements, but all applications follow the same general
process with clear steps and deadlines. Select an experience below to review the application
process and important dates.
Early Field Experiences provide teacher education candidates with early opportunities
to observe and engage in P鈥�12 classrooms alongside their coursework, helping connect
educational theory with classroom practice.
Upon enrollment in an early field experience course, you will be added to the Canvas
. This site will guide you through the application process for your specific course(s).
If you do not have access, you can submit an .
Spring 2026 Application Dates
Applications Open: Monday, January 12
Applications Close: Friday, January 23
Important Note: Students who do not complete the application by the stated deadline may be encouraged
to withdraw from the course. Successful completion of the required field experience
is necessary to earn a grade of C or higher. Failure to complete the field experience
may result in a grade below C, depending on remaining coursework.
Block I (EDRD 320) is required for Elementary and Special Education and Inclusive Learning majors. This
experience includes approximately eight half days in a P鈥�12 classroom, with a focus
on literacy instruction. Typically, three to four candidates are placed in each classroom.
Block II (Block Practicum) is required for all Elementary, Special Education and Inclusive Learning, and Middle
Grades Education majors and is usually completed the semester before Internship I.
Candidates spend one full teacher day per week in a P鈥�12 classroom for up to 12 weeks
and attend a required on-campus seminar.
Candidates must apply for Block II/Block Practicum during the semester prior to enrolling in EDEL 390 or EDMG 411.
Block Practicum (Fall 2026)
Applications Open: Monday, March 30
Applications Close: Friday, April 10
Application instructions and requirements for both Block I and Block II are provided
in the Canvas . This site will guide you through the application process for these experiences.
If you do not have access, you can submit an .
The internship is a two-semester, full-year experience consisting of Internship I
and Internship II. Internship I begins at the start of the WCU semester and involves
part-time placement in a P鈥�12 classroom, where candidates observe, participate, and
gradually teach under the guidance of a clinical educator and field supervisor. Internship
II is a 16-week, full-time placement in which candidates report daily to the host
school, assume increasing instructional responsibility through a phase-in and phase-out
model, and complete a minimum period of full-time independent teaching as required
by their program.
Internship (Fall 2026)
Applications Open: Monday, January 12
Applications Close:
Internship Application: Friday, February 6.
Placement Materials Application: Deadline extended to Friday, February 13, due to weather impacts
Application instructions and requirements can be found in the . If you do not have access, you can submit an .
Action Research is a field-based experience for students in the Birth鈥揔indergarten non-licensure program and serves as an alternative to the traditional internship. This experience consists
of two eight-week courses (BK 457 and BK 458) that require approximately one to two
hours per week in a field placement.
Through Action Research, candidates identify a question or area of focus in early
childhood education, design and implement a research-based strategy, and reflect on
its impact on teaching and learning. Students may work in a specific classroom or
observe practices across a school or early childhood program.
Students may complete Action Research in their current place of employment if the
setting meets program requirements. If placement assistance is needed, the Office
of Field Experiences will work with you to secure an appropriate placement.
(Fall 2026)
Applications Open: Monday, January 12
Applications Close: Friday, February 6
To apply, complete the
Practicum and Capstone experiences serve as culminating field-based requirements that allow graduate students to apply
advanced knowledge and skills in real educational settings.
The Practicum (SPED 687 or SPED 500) is required for select Special Education programs and focuses on applying instructional
strategies, data analysis, and research-informed practices to support learners with
disabilities. The Capstone(EDCI 697) is required for Literacy and STEM Education programs and centers on designing, implementing,
and evaluating a research-based project aimed at improving instructional practice.
Students may complete the Practicum or Capstone in their current place of employment
if the setting meets program requirements. If placement assistance is needed, the
Office of Field Experiences will work with you to identify an appropriate placement.
(Fall 2026)
Applications Open: Monday, January 12
Applications Close: Friday, February 6
To apply, complete the https://wcu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_enfK0ATNyTMn0CF
The TESOL Practicum is the capstone experience for students completing the TESOL minor. This teaching
practicum may be completed in a local or international setting and is designed to
align with the student鈥檚 future professional goals.
Students spend one full day per week in a school setting, beginning with classroom
observation and progressing to active teaching. By the end of the semester, candidates
are required to teach three lessons, which are formally observed by the TESOL supervisor.
If placement assistance is needed, the Office of Field Experiences will work with
you to identify an appropriate placement.
(Fall 2026)
Applications Open: Monday, January 12
Applications Close: Friday, February 6
To apply, complete the
Criminal Background Check Policies
All licensure candidates are required to complete and pay for a criminal background
check through 甜瓜视频app鈥檚 approved vendor, Certiphi. This background
check reviews multiple sources, including identity credentials, the Sex Offender Registry,
state and federal criminal records, and federal exclusion lists.
The initial background check is typically completed early in your program鈥攐ften during your first field experience
course, online orientation, program admission, or admission to the Teacher Education
Program.
In most cases, candidates are also required to complete a background recheck when applying for their internship. Candidates who are currently employed by the school
system where they will complete their internship may be exempt from this recheck,
based on district requirements.
COMPLETE YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK
Requirement
Required for your first early field experience or admission to the Teacher Education
Program. All licensure students must complete an initial check through Certiphi.
Cost & Payment
$18.90; payment accepted via credit card or PayPal through ApplicationStation.
How to Complete
After authorization, follow the link in the Certiphi email to complete the screening.
Use code UPWCUEDUSTUDCBC.
Requirement
Completed as part of the internship application process. Required for all applicants
not currently employed by the school or district where the internship will take place.
Cost & Payment
$11.50; payment accepted via credit card or PayPal through ApplicationStation.
How to Complete
After authorization, follow the link in the Certiphi email to complete the screening.
Use code UPWCUEDUSTUDRECHECK.
Need Authorization?
If you receive an error when completing your background check, submit an . Once approved, you can finish the process.
Self-Disclosure Agreement
Report any new charges within 72 hours to the Director of Field Experiences.
Failure to disclose may result in removal from the field placement and/or the Teacher
Education Program.
Flagged Charges
Includes petty theft, assault, offenses involving children/minors, larceny, DUI, drug
possession, fraud, or more than three offenses of any type.
Background Check Review
Candidates with flagged charges must submit a written explanation including dates,
details, and outcomes. Explanations are reviewed by the Teacher Education Background
Review Committee; placement approval is also subject to school district discretion.
Placement Limitation
OFE will attempt placement three times if districts decline due to charges. If placement cannot be secured, candidates may be advised to withdraw.
Important Note
Background checks from local courthouses, other districts, or employment are not accepted. Only Certiphi background checks submitted through OFE are valid.
Review Process
University sanction records are reviewed each semester for all licensure candidates
enrolled in field experience courses by the Office of Field Experiences and, when
necessary, the Teacher Education Background Review Committee.
Candidate Responsibility
By submitting a field experience application, candidates consent to the review of
their university sanction records and acknowledge that certain violations or patterns
of violations may require additional documentation, including a written explanation
submitted to the Director of Field Experiences.
Purpose
The review process determines eligibility for field experiences while ensuring candidates
meet expectations for professionalism, conduct, readiness, and the maintenance of
safe learning environments.
Field Experience Policies
For students with disabilities who require accommodations for field experiences or
internships.
Per North Carolina General Statute , to the extent practicable, EPPs shall require, in all programs leading to initial
professional licensure, the following:
Per 甜瓜视频app policy, all field experience candidates are solely
responsible for arranging and covering all transportation and related costs associated
with their field experiences.
Resources
Access to resources and guidance for Clinical Educators supporting WCU candidates
in internship experiences.
Access essential information and resources for current and prospective Field Supervisors.
Access information and resources for Host Teachers, including a brief overview of
the role, expectations for hosting candidates, and guidance for supporting early field
experiences.
