Final Field Experience Overview

Final Field Experience Overview

Apprentice Teachers and UTeach INTERNS

The purpose of the final field experience is to provide to the UTeach student a culminating experience that is authentic in the expectations, processes, and rewards of teaching.  Each candidate’s characteristics and abilities are carefully considered along with the Cooperating Teacher’s teaching style and strengths when making placements. Our hope is that the complementary strengths of both will generate a synergism that benefits both people professionally.

Because all UTeach candidates engage in numerous field experiences prior to the Final Field Experience, it is expected that UTeach Apprentice Teachers assume a teaching role very quickly in the semester and begin to explore leadership opportunities beyond the classroom (e.g., attending conferences, publications, professional memberships, professional presentations). UTeach INTERNS are prepared to be the teacher of record for a full academic year at the school.  The whole UTeach Natural Sciences team has invested heavily in the preparation of each candidate and is committed to ensuring their success as they enter this challenging Final Field Experience.

How Placements Are Made

• Students are placed primarily in Austin area school districts (As far south as Dripping Springs ISD and Hays CISD and as far north as Leander ISD, Lake Travis ISD, and Georgetown ISD).
• Placements are rarely made outside of local districts.  You must complete an appeal to request this extreme exception.
• All instructors who have observed students in the field are invited to provide input that will help UTeach make the best placements possible.
• During the mandatory orientation, students provide information about time constraints, transportation needs, and any preferences they may have.
• UTeach INTERNS are candidates who take the initiative to secure an Austin area teaching job for the academic year.  The process begins in the spring semester with UTeach approval, successful test completion, and district agreements.  UTeach provides some assistance in finding potential teacher vacancies, but it is ultimately up to the UTeach INTERN to interview and secure a commitment from the school for employment.