Office of Field Experiences (OFE)
The Office of Field Experiences (OFE) coordinates and supports all field-based learning experiences for educator preparation programs at Western Carolina University. We work closely with students, faculty, public school partners, clinical educators, and field supervisors to ensure meaningful, well-structured, and professionally supported placements across early field experiences, block practica, and internships.
Our office serves as the central hub for placement applications, compliance requirements, background checks, professional liability insurance, and ongoing support throughout each stage of the field experience process. We are committed to clear communication, timely guidance, and strong partnerships that promote high-quality preparation for future educators.
Whether you are a student preparing to apply for a field placement, a school partner supporting WCU candidates, or a teacher or supervisor mentoring emerging professionals, this site provides the resources, timelines, and contacts you need to move forward with confidence.
APPLY FOR FIELD EXPERIENCES
Early Field Experiences provide teacher education candidates with early opportunities to observe and engage in P–12 classrooms alongside their coursework, helping connect educational theory with classroom practice.
Upon enrollment in an early field experience course, you will be added to the Canvas Early Field Experiences Resource Site. This site will guide you through the application process for your specific course(s). If you do not have access, you can submit an Access to Canvas Site Request.
Fall 2026 Application Dates
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Applications Open: Monday, August 17th
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Applications Close: Friday, August 28th
Important Note: Students who do not complete the application by the stated deadline may be encouraged to withdraw from the course. Successful completion of the required field experience is necessary to earn a grade of C or higher. Failure to complete the field experience may result in a grade below C, depending on remaining coursework.
Block I (EDRD 320) is required for Elementary and Special Education and Inclusive Learning majors. This experience includes approximately eight half days in a P–12 classroom, with a focus on literacy instruction. Typically, three to four candidates are placed in each classroom.
Block II (Block Practicum) is required for all Elementary, Special Education and Inclusive Learning, and Middle Grades Education majors and is usually completed the semester before Internship I. Candidates spend one full teacher day per week in a P–12 classroom for up to 12 weeks and attend a required on-campus seminar.
Candidates must apply for Block II/Block Practicum during the semester prior to enrolling in EDEL 390 or EDMG 411.
Block Practicum (Spring 2027)
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Applications Open: Monday, October 19th
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Applications Close: Friday, October 30th
Application instructions and requirements for both Block I and Block II are provided in the Canvas Early Field Experiences Resource Site. This site will guide you through the application process for these experiences. If you do not have access, you can submit an Access to Canvas Site Request.
The internship is a two-semester, full-year experience consisting of Internship I and Internship II. Internship I begins at the start of the WCU semester and involves part-time placement in a P–12 classroom, where candidates observe, participate, and gradually teach under the guidance of a clinical educator and field supervisor. Internship II is a 16-week, full-time placement in which candidates report daily to the host school, assume increasing instructional responsibility through a phase-in and phase-out model, and complete a minimum period of full-time independent teaching as required by their program.
Internship (Spring 2027)
- Applications Open: Monday, August 17th
- Applications Close:
- Internship Application: Friday, September 11th
- Placement Materials Application: Friday, September 11th
Application instructions and requirements can be found in the Canvas Internship Resource Site. If you do not have access, you can submit an Access to Canvas Site Request.
Action Research is a field-based experience for students in the Birth–Kindergarten non-licensure program and serves as an alternative to the traditional internship. This experience consists of two eight-week courses (BK 457 and BK 458) that require approximately one to two hours per week in a field placement.
Through Action Research, candidates identify a question or area of focus in early childhood education, design and implement a research-based strategy, and reflect on its impact on teaching and learning. Students may work in a specific classroom or observe practices across a school or early childhood program.
Students may complete Action Research in their current place of employment if the setting meets program requirements. If placement assistance is needed, the Office of Field Experiences will work with you to secure an appropriate placement.
(Spring 2027)
- Applications Open: Monday, August 17th
- Applications Close: Friday, September 11th
To apply, complete the Action Research, Practicum, or Capstone Application
Practicum and Capstone experiences serve as culminating field-based requirements that allow graduate students to apply advanced knowledge and skills in real educational settings.
The Practicum (SPED 687 or SPED 500) is required for select Special Education programs and focuses on applying instructional strategies, data analysis, and research-informed practices to support learners with disabilities. The Capstone (EDCI 697) is required for Literacy and STEM Education programs and centers on designing, implementing, and evaluating a research-based project aimed at improving instructional practice.
Students may complete the Practicum or Capstone in their current place of employment if the setting meets program requirements. If placement assistance is needed, the Office of Field Experiences will work with you to identify an appropriate placement.
(Spring 2027)
- Applications Open: Monday, August 17th
- Applications Close: Friday, September 11th
To apply, complete the Action Research, Practicum, or Capstone Application
The TESOL Practicum is the capstone experience for students completing the TESOL minor. This teaching practicum may be completed in a local or international setting and is designed to align with the student’s future professional goals.
Students spend one full day per week in a school setting, beginning with classroom observation and progressing to active teaching. By the end of the semester, candidates are required to teach three lessons, which are formally observed by the TESOL supervisor.
If placement assistance is needed, the Office of Field Experiences will work with you to identify an appropriate placement.
(Spring 2027)
- Applications Open: Monday, August 17th
- Applications Close: Friday, September 11th
To apply, complete the Action Research, Practicum, or Capstone Application
Criminal Background Check Policies
All licensure candidates are required to complete and pay for a criminal background check through Western Carolina University’s approved vendor, Certiphi. This background check reviews multiple sources, including identity credentials, the Sex Offender Registry, state and federal criminal records, and federal exclusion lists.
The initial background check is typically completed early in your program—often during your first field experience course, online orientation, program admission, or admission to the Teacher Education Program.
In most cases, candidates are also required to complete a background recheck when applying for their internship. Candidates who are currently employed by the school system where they will complete their internship may be exempt from this recheck, based on district requirements.
Field Experience Policies
Per North Carolina General Statute § 115C-269.25, to the extent practicable, EPPs shall require, in all programs leading to initial professional licensure, the following:
Per Western Carolina University policy, all field experience candidates are solely responsible for arranging and covering all transportation and related costs associated with their field experiences.
Resources
Connect with the OFE Team
Dr. Amanda Chapman
Director
Monica Miller
Lead Field Supervisor
Dr. Tara Campbell
Early Field Experience Placement Coordinator