Clinical Field Experiences
Most courses require candidates to develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in public school settings. These experiences broaden their ability to help all children learn, including children with exceptionalities and students from diverse ethnic/racial, linguistic, gender, and socioeconomic groups. During clinical experiences, candidates apply theories and understandings gained in coursework, analyze P-12 student learning, and develop the ability to positively impact all learners. All candidates are expected to complete clinical experiences in at least three significantly different school settings (the graduate student teaching placement may serve as one of the settings).
Candidates who are Residency Teachers or teacher assistants must move beyond their own classrooms when completing clinical experiences. A limited number of clinical experiences may be approved in significantly different classrooms within their school of employment. Employed candidates are encouraged to seek assistance and support from their administrators to complete these requirements.
Licensure
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, candidates will be recommended for the North Carolina initial Standard Professional I teaching license. For this license, candidates are required to complete an electronic licensure portfolio that is created during coursework and student teaching. Earning a passing score on the required PRAXIS II test is also mandatory for the licensure recommendation. Additional information on this test is available on www.ets.org/praxis.
