Clinical Experiences

Field-based experiences are a key component of Saginaw Valley State University's Teacher Education program. The Office of Clinical Experiences works with partner schools to coordinate fieldwork for the College of Education. All placements are made through the Office of Clinical Experiences. As per agreements with partner school districts, at no time will students contact individual schools, administrators or teachers regarding field placements.

The initial fieldwork takes place in TE 100/101/120, Exploring Teaching, when students observe and help in a classroom for 30 hours. 

In Elementary and Secondary Methods Classes, the Office of Clinical Experiences supports and assists methods instructors with field placement and supervision. Placement is usually determined by the location where the professor supervises.

Student Teaching is the capstone experience on the path to receiving teacher certification. The Office of Clinical Experiences places students in appropriate school settings so they may interact with students, teachers, administrators, and support personnel as they strengthen their knowledge of learners and subject matter. Placement varies as we try to honor a student's first two county choices. (Every attempt will be made to place a student within a 30 mile distance of where he/she lives.)

Background checks will be conducted three times during the journey to teacher certification: before TE 100/101/120, before being admitted to the College of Education, and before Student Teaching. Admission to the SVSU College of Education does not guarantee certification by the State of Michigan. The SVSU College of Education cannot guarantee approval of any recommendation to the State of Michigan for any type of certification. Final approval of a recommendation made by SVSU is granted only by the MI Department of Education based on their policies and procedures current at the time recommendation for certification is made.