Level I (Up to 20 hours): The primary duty is to observe instructional program in progress. These observations may involve limited participation, such as preparing materials or tutoring students. Participation must be under the direct supervision of a host teacher, preferably in a classroom setting. Documentation of hours by the host teacher is required.
Level II (Typically 20-40 hours):Practicum studentsmay assume further responsibilities, such as instructing small groups or large groups for all or parts of lessons. Lesson content and materials may be prepared by the practicum studentalong with beginning experience with assessment of student work, subject to approval and guidance by the host teacher. Participation must be under the direct supervision of a host teacher. Documentation of hours by the host teacher is required.
Level III (As determined by the program): Practicum studentswill, over time, at the discretion of the host teacher, assume additional responsibilities including planning for, instructing, and assessing student learning. Participation must be under the direct supervision of a host teacher in prekindergarten through grade 12 school settings. Evaluation based upon observations by the host teacher, or a university supervisor of practicum student performance is required.
Note: Clinical Experience consists of Student Teaching. The Office of Field Experiences will send out requests for each student teaching placement at that time.
A Practicum Fair is held by the School of Educationat the start of every semester. You are encouraged to attend and sign up with teachers in Stevens Point, and thesurrounding area. Your course instructor will provide you with the dates of the fair. They will also be postedin the School of Education Newsletter.
If you are seeking practicumlexperiences outside of the Stevens Point area, you will need approval from your course instructor, the building administrator, and the teacher. Please use the Request for Practicum Experience Form when seeking this type of practicum.
- Stevens Point – Bus Schedule and Map
- Wisconsin School Districts – Map
Practicum Experience Etiquette and Protocol
- Timeliness and Professional Courtesy: Arrive and leave on time, every time; check in with the main office of the host school upon arriving and leaving. Be reliable. Be sure to notify your host teacher ahead of time if for some reason you will not be able to come at your arranged time, and also when you have completed your hours and will not be returning.
- Cell Phone: Don’t forget – be sure your cell phone is turned off and not used while you are in the host school.
- Go to Your Host Classroom: Roaming the building is not allowed. If you would like a tour of the building, work with your host teacher to arrange this.
- Professional Dress & Appearance Expectations:
- long pants include khakis, chinos, etc. (no jeans, shorts, mini–skirts, or baggy pants) Low cut tops are not acceptable (no cleavage, midriff, etc. showing) underwear must be covered.
- clothing must be free of symbols/words/logos that are suggestive, offensive, obscene, sexually degrading, racially motivated.
- clothing must be free of graphics or statements that promote alcohol, tobacco, drug products, gang affiliations.
- soled shoes (preferably close–toed – flip–flops are not acceptable).
- hats must be removed when entering and while inside the host school also – carefully consider tattoos or piercing that may be distracting to students.
- follow all in school dress codes.
- long pants include khakis, chinos, etc. (no jeans, shorts, mini–skirts, or baggy pants) Low cut tops are not acceptable (no cleavage, midriff, etc. showing) underwear must be covered.
- Communications: Communicating with students that you are working with in the host school through social media sites (e.g. Facebook, texting) is unacceptable and unprofessional. This could result in negative consequences that negatively impact you and the UWSP Teacher Education Program.
- Be Mindful and Professional in Conversation and Comments: Communicate with students and teachers in a professional and respectful manner. Also always be mindful of comments you make related to your host school, teachers and students. The nature of our work is confidential and to be considered in a professional manner. Of course, it is appropriate and acceptable to explore and discuss your experiences within the context of your teacher education courses. If, in your work with students, you learn something about the student(s) that is a potential concern, please talk with your host teacher about it right away.
Viewpoint Screening
- Follow the instructions provided with the link
- Initial Background check through Viewpoint Screening – Scroll down to select theSchool of Education, and then thePre-Clinical Background Check
- If you have already completed a Pre-Clinical Background Check through Viewpoint, but need to complete a Recheck, please contact field.experiences@uwsp.edu
Some schools or districts may require additional forms. Contact the UWSP Office of Field Experience to make sure you are following each district’s requirements.
