The Office of Clinical Experiences (OCE) is responsible for organizing all student teaching internship placements for teacher candidates in initial teacher certification programs. The OCE works diligently to foster professional and collaborative partnerships with K-12 schools in order to enhance the teaching profession. Additionally, the OCE is committed to complying with state requirements to secure field experiences, when applicable, that will lead to the appropriate graduation and/or certification requirements. Field experiences are primarily secured by School of Education faculty and instructors.
About Field Experiences
UAB is committed to complying with state and certification requirements. Per the Alabama State Department of Education’s Administrative Code, field experiences in Class B and Alternative Class A programs are composed of the following:
- Prior to the internship, a variety of early and ongoing field-based contacts in diverse P-12 schools and other appropriate setting that are provided as part of the instructional program available through observation, study of school situations, assisting in instruction, and supervised teaching that contribute to the understanding and competence of the candidate.
- Extensive field experiences in diverse settings
- Individuals who are employed in positions appropriate to the area of their current program may complete field experiences on the job, but those experiences must be planned with specific purposes and assessments
- The majority of field experiences must occur in P-12 schools
- At least half of the field experiences shall be in the candidate’s teaching field
- For pre-kindergarten education programs, field experiences must span birth through age 4 in both child care and Office of School Readiness programs
- For early childhood education and early childhood special education programs, field experiences shall include placements in at least two of the three main types of early education settings [early school grades (K-3), child care centers and homes, and Office of School Readiness programs]
Field Experience Handbook for Initial Teacher Certification Programs
Student Teaching
If you are pursuing a Class B or Alternative Class A initial teacher certification degree, please visit the Student Teaching Website, where you will find an assortment of information regarding internship requirements, placements, forms, and the Student Teaching Handbook.
