FIELD EXPERIENCE

For most art education courses at Miami University, students are required to complete a certain number of hours of field experience. The type and length of field experience varies by class (see course syllabi). Use the following protocol for your field experiences unless otherwise directed by your professor. 

DURING FIELD EXPERIENCE YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO:

• Get/renew a Background Check in a timely manner
• Complete a certain number of hours of field experience following the guidelines indicated below
• Keep a FIELD EXPERIENCE LOG/JOURNAL of each visit in completing your hours (these are the same Google document, shared with your instructor)
• Be evaluated by your cooperating teacher using the Professional Teaching Dispositions form

THE LOGISTICS
Each of you will be placed within an educational context in the surrounding area where you will be expected to fulfill your field experience hours. You will meet with that teacher early in the semester to set up a schedule, begin developing a relationship, and communicate both your expectations. The majority of your hours must be “in class”, but “out of class” hours are also very beneficial (hall duty, lunch duty, meetings, etc). You will record your hours and write reflections in your Field Log/Journal.

THE PROFESSIONALISM
It is IMPERATIVE that you always arrive on time (if not early) and be dressed professionally. Use this as an opportunity to be, act, dress like, and think like a teacher. Make sure anyone would be able to walk in and see you APART FROM the students, as a professional. (i.e. don't dress like them, don't chew gum, don't mess around with your phone, dress UP, use appropriate language...). You also need to make sure to wear your ID at all times and always check in and out of the front office. If you would like to order a Miami University Art Education name tag, click here.

Your cooperating teachers have graciously opened their classrooms to us and so you, a representative of Miami University, will treat them, their students, and their space with the utmost respect. Help whenever you can and do what they ask of you. If you ever have any questions about any of this, your art education professor is a text/phone call away. It is important for Miami U. to maintain positive relationships with the schools, and you are the good-will ambassadors that will do that. Some teachers will ask more of you and treat you like a student aide - go with it. Some teachers will be more protective of their space and want you to simply watch - go with it. 

If you are ever unable to arrive at a scheduled observation, you need to contact your cooperating teacher (or whom ever is your contact for your field experience) and follow up with alternative plans. You have committed to being there and need to treat field experience as a professional situation.

FAQ's (Frequently asked questions)

How many field experience hours do I have to do?
It depends on the course you are taking. For Art 195, 10 hours are required. For Art 295, 15 hours are required. For Art 296, 15 hours are required. For Art 395, 20 hours are required. For Art 495, 40 hours of field experience is "built in" to completing Saturday Art. You will end up completing at least 100 hours prior to student teaching. This number is required by the state of Ohio.

Can I count any high-school or summer hours toward my required 100 hours of field experience?
No. Of course we encourage you to complete as many hours as you can whenever you can, as classroom experience is invaluable. However, the hours required for the each course must take place the semester you take that course.

Do I need to get a background check for field experience?
Yes. Some schools actually check this out before you walk in the door. This is part of being a professional educator. Background checks can be obtained on campus at the police station, or at any police station in your town.

What if I don't have a car for getting to field experience?
You will need to find a way to get to your field experience. Let your instructor know if you need a more local placement. See the link to the left "Transportation".

Can I "double dip" my service-learning hours for field experience?
It depends on what your service-learning is and how much of it you have to complete for your other course. This is handled on a case-by-case basis. Talk to your instructor.

Do I have to schedule my own field experience?
Schedule - yes, Placement - no. Your instructor will find locations, however it is up to you to create a schedule with your cooperating teacher. You can find your own placement, however, you need to verify with your instructor first to make sure it is an appropriate placement for the course. 

What do I wear to field experience?
You are expected to dress professionally and wear your Miami ID. You will need to check in with the front office at which point some schools may give you an additional badge to wear. 

Why do I need to continue going back to the same school/teacher for elementary and secondary field hours?
We want you to spend dedicated time with a teacher so you can get to know them and their process (and visa versa). You will be better able to build a relationship with your cooperating teacher with which you can have more in-depth discussions about art and teaching.