We have compiled some common inquiries. If you have further questions after reading, please contact us!
Q1
What are the consequences of not submitting valid prerequisites on time?
All prerequisites-a negative TB test, a Certificate of Clearance from the CTC, and proof of liability insurance- must be current through the entire quad/semester in which the candidate is registered. Candidates are required to complete the fieldwork application each quad in which they are enrolled in one or more fieldwork courses. Click here to view the Fieldwork Application page. Failure to submit one or more valid prerequisites on time may result in being dropped from the course.
Q2
When do the observations have to be completed?
All observations must be completed during the quad for which you are registered for the course, and all fieldwork forms are due on the last day of the quad. Failure to submit the required documents by the end of the quad will result in a non-passing grade for the course.
Q3
What are the maximum hours I can spend in a classroom each day?
You can observe up to five hours in one day. However, this practice is discouraged because you will lose some authenticity of the observation objectives by not observing within a longer span of time. The hours included in your log must only contain instructional hours. Recess, lunch, passing minutes, before school or after school hours cannot be counted toward your observation hours.
Q4
Can I combine fieldwork hours to complete them faster or when it is more convenient?
Fieldwork hours for separate courses cannot be combined. You must complete your observations during the semester for which you are registered for the course.
Q5
Why can’t I choose where I complete my fieldwork?
It is the Field Experience Coordinator’s responsibility to ensure that you are placed at a school site that will meet both PLNU’s requirements and the state standards (including linguistic and ethnic diversity requirements). In addition, as a university, we must follow the school districts’ protocols for inviting visitors into classrooms, especially for the courses which require you to gather information about specific students or teach a lesson. Legally, we cannot place students in schools or districts for which we do not have a Memorandum of Understanding in place.
Q6
If it is okay with the school, why do I need to be cleared through the district?
As a professional community, universities, school districts, and county educational offices adhere to each other’s guidelines and standards. One of those guidelines is to clear all students with fingerprinting and TB results. School sites cannot verify these requirements and must begin at the district level. All districts in the county require universities to communicate first with the district before sending students out to school sites. We cannot jeopardize our partnerships with the districts by attempting to circumvent this process.
Q7
Can I complete my field experience in a friend’s classroom?
No, you may not complete any field experience hours in a classroom in which the host teacher is a relative or friend.
Q8
I am earning an Education Specialist credential. Will I complete any observations in a general education setting?
Yes, all observations are completed in a general education setting with the exception of EDT 4004/6002, EDT 4096/6053, and EDT 4054/6054, which are completed in a self-contained Special Education classroom setting.
Q9
I am a university intern. Can I complete fieldwork in my own classroom?
As a university intern, you will experience at least three fieldwork experiences (60 hours) outside of your own classroom, and you may be required to complete at least one placement at a different school site. Please take this into consideration as you plan your schedule and speak with your advisor if you are unsure you will be able to make the necessary time commitments.
Please note that this only applies to university interns. If you are teaching under a Short-Term Staff Permit or Provisional Intern Permit, you may not complete any observations in your own classroom.
Q10
Can I complete observations as a long-term or regular substitute?
One of the purposes of fieldwork is to observe a veteran teacher. Therefore, you cannot complete observations while in a substitute position.
Q11
I completed fieldwork hours for another university. Can I use those hours toward a PLNU program?
Yes, as long as the hours were completed for a graduate/credential program and the hours meet the fieldwork requirements. Please contact the Credential Analyst for more information.
Q12
I work during the day. How can I complete the fieldwork hours?
All university programs require their candidates to complete fieldwork hours as a standard of the state. Fieldwork is an integral part of the teacher preparation program and is required for all candidates. Prior to entering a teaching credentialing program, it is important that you understand the time commitment. You will be expected to set up a system with your employer to allow you to fulfill the necessary observations during the day.
