Field Experience Policy

WKU undergraduate teacher preparation programs are designed to meet the University’s standards for baccalaureate degrees and the Kentucky standards for the designated teaching certificate.  All undergraduate professional education programs require completion of field experiences in appropriate off-campus settings as well as student teaching. The number of required hours of field experiences varies by program; however, a minimum of 75 hours of off-campus field experience is required in professional education courses. In addition, all programs require one 16-week or two 8-week full-time student teaching placements, totaling at least 430 hours. Every effort is made to provide teacher candidates with field experiences in diverse settings (based on socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, language, and exceptionalities of students) in order to ensure that they are prepared to help all students learn. Prior to visiting any school, a student must have on file in the Office of Teacher Services a current TB test, a current physical exam, and a current Kentucky criminal background check. Students are responsible for the expenses incurred in complying with this requirement.

Approved by the Professional Education Council,  5/12/2010