Intro
Clinical experiences are guided, hands-on, practical applications of professional knowledge that students gain in the classroom. A clinical experience may also be referred to as pre-teaching, service learning, lab, practicum, methods course, or clinical residency. Extensive clinical experiences are a strength of Auburn's College of Education and are an essential part of the preparation of educators.
Important information:
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All teacher candidates must be fingerprinted by a service provider approved by the ALSBE and have a clear background check prior to beginning any clinical experience. Completion of the background check typically occurs as an assignment during the EDUC 1010 course.
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All teacher candidates are covered by professional liability insurance through Auburn University. This fee is charged to College of Education juniors, seniors, and graduate students. However, candidates do not have legal status as a teacher.
Early Clinical Experiences
Pre-teaching is an early clinical experience that is part of the admission requirements to the professional educator preparation program. All pre-service teacher candidates must complete a total of five full days of observations in a public P-12 school-based setting. Three of the five days must be consecutive. The purpose of the pre-teaching experience is to provide an opportunity for pre-service teacher candidates to observe the school as a total organization and to increase their awareness of the profession of an educator.
There is no direct supervision of pre-service teacher candidates by university personnel since it is primarily an observational activity and not linked to a university course. The Office of Student Services can be contacted if any questions, concerns, or problems arise.
The pre-service teacher candidate arranges their own pre-teaching clinical placement through the school system’s central office using the Pre-Teaching Clinical Experience Request form.
Clinical Residency
Clinical Residency for Class B and Alternative Class A programs is an intensive culminating experience which equals a full semester. The teacher candidate progressively assumes full responsibility for no less than 20 full days of teaching including a minimum of 10 consecutive days.
Collaborative Teacher Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Music Education, and Physical Education require more than one placement during the semester.
With program approval, an Alternative Master’s Teacher Candidate may complete clinical residency in their own classroom if they are employed by a school system.
