Clinical Experience

ESU places a high value on quality field experiences.

We are committed to providing a realistic view of the rewards and challenges of the profession. This happens best when students have a wide range of field experiences, starting with entry into the program.

Introduction to Teaching All Students (first or second semester). Two assignments require specific field experiences encompassing ten (10) hours in the field. Teacher candidates complete five hours of direct contact in general education field placements as well as five hours of direct contact in special education placements
The Psychology of Learners in Diverse Communities, and requires ten (10) hours of experience in a professionally supervised setting providing tutoring to public school children (third or fourth semester).

Analysis of Teaching Physical Education candidates spend ten (10) hours in local public schools completing systematic observations of student and teacher behaviors during physical education classes.
Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Elementary Physical Education candidates spend a minimum of ten (10) hours designing and teaching lessons to students in grades 1-6 at a local elementary school.
Motor Learning and Development: Candidates spend a minimum of twenty (20) hours designing and teaching lessons to preschoolers (3 to 5 years) at child care center.
Adapted Physical Education candidates work for a total of 24 hours with a wide variety of special needs in physical activity and swimming settings.

Movement Experiences for Secondary Grades, candidates participate in a 10- week Professional Development School (PDS) program in which they spend two full days each week with an assigned Health and Physical mentor teacher (8 hours per day).
1. The PDS model provides opportunities for our candidates to merge theory and practice with direct application within a classroom setting and school culture. In compliance the Pennsylvania Department of Education 190 hours of early field experience requirements, candidates participate in 160 hours of engaged and collaborative learning experiences within the PDS program.
Physical Education Student Teaching and Health Student Teaching, teacher candidates teach physical education and health for a total of 450+ hours (5 days/week for 8 hours/day) under the guidance of a cooperating teacher, with a minimum of six visits from a university supervisor.
1. Seven and one-half weeks in an approved elementary setting
2. Even and one-half weeks in an approved secondary (Total = 450+ hours). Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all areas of the PETE and School Health Education Competencies: Content, Learner and the Learning Process, Teaching and the Learning Environment and Professionalism.
3. The Office of Field Experiences and Partnerships conducts six full day seminar events.

In summary, the PETE program requires field experiences for teacher candidates during each year of the program, gradually transitioning teacher candidates from interviews and observations to full planning and implementation of lessons.

Candidates work with P-12 learners beginning with their first year in the program, and regularly over the course of the four-year program.

In total, they receive in excess of 700 contact hours with P-12 learners prior to program completion.

Testimonial

Clinical Experience

First and Second Years: Teacher candidates participate in two field experiences

Third Year: Teacher candidates participate in four field experiences

Final Year: Teacher candidates participate in two field experiences