In addition to student teaching, students participate in a variety of field experiences to become classroom ready. Many of these field experiences are part of the professional education courses. Thus, with their link to the professional education courses, field experiences are ongoing throughout coursework leading up to student teaching. During fieldwork students are provided the opportunity to experience classroom instruction at various grade levels and in a variety of educational settings.
The focus of field experiences is on active learning and is skill specific. Students in a variety of classroom settings observe classroom practices, and they work with students individually and in small groups.

Students are required to participate in a minimum of 50 hours of school related field experience in public and private school settings prior to student teaching. Students are also expected to complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service and to participate in a minimum of 20 hours of professional development activities. Professional development includes attendance at education workshops and participation in UST student education organizations. There are several ways that students develop reflective practitioner skills from their field experiences. First, field experiences are shared and discussed in professional education courses. For more details, please view the Field Experiences Brochure, we hope it is helpful to you:

• Field Experience Brochure

Also, after each field experience students are required to document hours and reflect on their experiences using this form: Field Experience Form The forms are submitted to the School of Education offices care of the Field Experience Coordinator, they are carefully reviewed and approved.

If you have questions or need assistance regarding field experiences at the University of St. Thomas, please contact Dr. Randy Soffer, Director of Field Experiences at 713-942-5922 or via email sofferr@stthom.edu or you may contact Mrs. Dyla Gutierrez, Administrative Assistant at 713-942-5913 or via email at mdgutier@stthom.edu .

Note: Before participating in field experiences, students are required to pass a criminal background check.

• Acceptable scores on the Texas Academic Skills Program Test (TASP).
  This must be taken prior to enrolling in any professional education course;
• A grade point average of at least 2.50 in the first 9 credit hours of English;
• Overall grade point average of at least 2.50 in the last 60 credit hours;
• Grade point average of at least 2.50 in the teaching field(s);
• Personal and professional qualities necessary for success as a classroom teacher.