Teacher Preparation Field Experiences
Pre-Student Teaching Experiences
NLU teacher candidates spend time in the field from the moment they enter the program. Much of the coursework includes corresponding observation or teaching hours related to what they are learning in their teacher preparation program. We believe the strong connection between coursework and real-world application in classrooms is key to the successful preparation of a future teacher.
Student Teaching
Student teaching is the culmination of all the coursework, observations, and licensure requirements of the National College of Education/Undergraduate College and the state of Illinois and is completed during the final quarter of the program. The Office of Field Experiences' clinical placement staff looks to carefully place each student in a school environment that is enriching, diverse, and supportive.
For detailed information about your program’s field experience and licensure requirements, refer to your program's handbook.
Field Placement Application Process and Deadlines
- BA Field Placement Application Information: link to the undergraduate BA application process and deadlines for submitting the application
- MAT Field Placement Application Information: link to the graduate MAT online application, guidelines and deadlines for submitting the application
Policies and Procedures for Submission of Background Check
National Louis University requires that all candidates placed in a school for field experience pass an Illinois State Police background check. This is consistent with state law that requires Illinois school districts to conduct criminal background investigations of applicants for licensed and non-licensed positions. A candidate whose background check results in a status of "no record" may be placed in the schools. Students placed in a community agency may also be required to pass a background check.
Candidates cannot begin any field experiences without a “passed” background check. Candidates are responsible for all fees connected with this procedure. Candidates may be required to complete an additional background check prior to student teaching, practicum or internship.
A candidate may not be placed in any school or community agency if the background check determines that he or she has been convicted of criminal behavior that, by law, automatically prohibits him or her from attaining Illinois licensure.
The offenses that automatically prohibit certification include first degree murder, any Class X felony, juvenile pimping, soliciting a juvenile prostitute, exploitation of a child, obscenity, child pornography, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, some offenses set forth in the Cannabis Control Act, and some crimes defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure eligibility for placement based on the background check. Graduate students in MAT programs should complete criminal background checks within the first week of classes at NLU. Undergraduate students should work with their academic advisor to discuss timing. In the event that the student cannot be placed due to the background check, Academic advisors can assist the student in choosing alternative majors. There is no guarantee that courses will be transferable between programs and no financial reimbursement will be given.
1. What is a ‘clinical’ or ‘field’ experience? Is it the same as student teaching?
A clinical or field experience is an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom with supervised practice in the field (a Birth-Grade 12 classroom setting). Student Teaching/Internship (for non-licensure pathways) is the culminating field experience of the teacher education program. For teacher licensure candidates, this field experience takes place over two quarters and culminates in an all day, full-time placement in a school setting that is completed the final term of enrollment in the teacher education program.
2. What are the ‘prerequisites’ prior to starting our field experiences?
- Completion of program-designated number of observation or field hours;
- An Illinois Criminal Background Check;
- A copy of your Tuberculosis ‘TB’ test results;
- Mandated Reporter documentation;
- Satisfactory completion of all required program coursework.
3. What student field experience is required to graduate/get my license?
Each program has different requirements, but one or more ‘practicums’ and a minimum 10 week full-day student teaching experience are required as part of B.A. and M.A.T. program completion requirements.
4. What is a ‘linked’ placement?
For most B.A. and M.A.T. teacher preparation programs, these candidates will complete their practicum and student teaching terms in the same classroom for two subsequent terms. This provides candidates the opportunity to build relationships with their students and their cooperating teacher as they gradually take on more responsibility in the classroom.
5. What is the role of a ‘cooperating’ or ‘mentor’ teacher?
All pre-service teacher preparation candidates are assigned a ‘cooperating’ or ‘mentor’ teacher for their practicum and student teaching experiences. This individual is an experienced, licensed educator who has at least three years of experience effectively leading their own classroom at the same grade level/content area as the candidate. The cooperating or mentor teacher provides pre-service candidates with concrete experiences and support to help develop the skills and relationships needed to become an effective educator.
6. What is the role of a ‘field coach’ or ‘university supervisor’?
A ‘field coach’ or ‘university supervisor’, is an experienced current or former teacher, administrator, or school/district leader that: 1) provides additional support and feedback to teacher preparation candidates during their placement and 2) is the link between the university and field partner during the student teaching experience.
7. Where will I be placed?
Placement locations vary depending on availability. We do, however, consider location, program, level, and suitability when making the placement.
8. Are any of the practicum or student teaching experiences paid?
Student teaching is an unpaid experience except under the following circumstances:
- Candidates who are already teachers of record in their own classroom (Paid Student Teaching Overview)
- Candidates approved to be a Year-Long Intern (MAT Year-Long Intern Program Overview & FAQ )
9. Is there any financial assistance during student teaching?
Eligible students can apply for the Patricia Cassin Graft Student Teacher Assistance Fund for tuition assistance during full-day student teaching.
