Tips and Guidelines for Completing your Field Experience Educator Preparation Office (EPO) Thompson Hall, Suite 1700 fieldexp@gmu.edu

In this presentation, you will find: Field Experience Registration Deadlines A Step by Step Guide to Signing up for Field Experience Tips for Success A Reminder about Documentation Contact Information for the Educator Preparation Office

Field Experience Registration Deadlines: In order to complete field experience, you must register ONLINE by the following dates: Fall Semester: Register by September 15th Spring Semester: Register by February 15th ***No requests will be processed after the deadline, no exceptions. Early submission is highly recommended!

EVERY STUDENT MUST REGISTER online for field experience! Online Registration EVERY STUDENT MUST REGISTER online for field experience! https://cehd.gmu.edu/endorse/ferf There are 4 Categories for Placement: You are a full-time contractual teacher: In this case, you are allowed to arrange your own placement with administrator/ HR permission. Instructional assistants and long-term subs should contact internsh@gmu.edu . You have been placed by your academic program: Please be sure to indicate this during registration so you are not placed by the Educator Preparation Office (EPO). You need a field experience placement: The Educator Preparation Office (EPO) will assist you. Do not reach out to schools directly. Location preferences are not available. You are arranging placement outside the school system: This option only applies to programs listed in the online form and requires prior permission of the program.

For Students placed by EPO and by their Academic Program: After submitting the online registration form: Monitor your Mason Email Account. The Clinical Practice Specialist will send an email that includes the next steps in the process including how to complete your background check. (Please allow at least 3 business days). Follow Placement instructions carefully and do not provide your email to anyone else. Each school district has its own procedures for placement. Do not share your email with classmates. You will be required to complete fingerprinting and a background check. Be sure to disclose even the most minor infractions when completing your paperwork. 50% of placement denials are do to students’ failure to disclose any/all issues. Denial of placement for field experience can impact your ability to be placed for internship, and thus affect your licensure program! Do not contact schools directly or report to an assigned location without following procedures. You will not receive your placement location until all steps are complete. If you have questions, please contact the Clinical Practice Specialist at fieldexp@gmu.edu or visit Thompson Hall, Suite 1700.

Canceling a placement If you need to cancel your field placement for any reason: Please contact the Clinical Practice Specialist at fieldexp@gmu.edu . If you have received location information, please contact your school.

Remember: The impression you make during your field experience counts! Every communication and interaction during your field experience can have a huge impact on your placements throughout your program and your career. A teacher or administrator you interact with today could be a future colleague or supervisor.

Once you receive your Placement Location and School contact information: Email your contact as soon as possible to work out a schedule. Be polite and professional when sending any and all communications. Include you contact information and a description of your field experience assignment(s). Be sure to include how many hours of observation you need to complete and the description from your syllabus. After sending your initial contact email, please be patient. Please wait 2 business days before sending a following up. If you still do not hear back, please contact EPO at fieldexp@gmu.edu . Be mindful when working out your schedule. Your cooperating teacher is helping you out. Please be patient and flexible when scheduling your observations. Do not drop by unannounced. Treat your placement like a job. This is a professional experience. If you are scheduled to report for an observation and need to cancel for a very important reason, reach out to your cooperating teacher as soon as possible.

When conducting Field Experience:

Maintain Confidentiality at all times. Other considerations: Use Social Media Responsibly. Maintain Confidentiality at all times. If you encounter any issues or have any concerns, contact EPO immediately at fieldexp@gmu.edu or visit us in Thompson Hall, Suite 1700

Documentation Please consult your syllabus for information on how to document your field experience. Field Experience Documentation Forms are available at http://cehd.gmu.edu/teacher/internships-field-experience Please remember to have your field experience forms signed by your cooperating teacher.

Best wishes for a successful field experience! Final Reminders If you received a visitor’s badge, please return it to your school’s administration office at the conclusion of your field experience. If you have any questions about completing field experience, please contact: Educator Preparation Office Thompson Hall, Suite 1700 fieldexp@gmu.edu 703-993-9777 Best wishes for a successful field experience!