Pre-Student Teaching Experiences
Overview
The UM Teacher Education Program recognizes the value of P–12 school-based clinical experiences in preparing future teachers. These placements integrate coursework with classroom practice under the supervision of experienced teachers and faculty. They support professional growth by providing opportunities for reflection and feedback. The courses listed below build toward the 16-week, full-time student teaching experience.
Experiences include the following:
Early Childhood Education (P-3) and Elementary Education (K-8):
EDU 395: Level 1
In Level 1, teacher candidates participate in two clinical experiences. These involve observing and actively participating in the UM LAB School and a K-2 classroom within one of our partnered elementary schools. Candidates will accumulate 54 hours of clinical experience directly informing assignments associated with their courses:
- 14 hours in the UM LAB Preschool classroom
- 40 hourse in a K-2 elementary classroom
EDU 395: Level 2
Level 2 clinical experience builds on the foundation you established in Level 1. You will complete a total of 60 hours in 3rd-5th grade classrooms, where you will continue developing your skills in planning instruction, supporting diverse learners, and contributing meaningfully to the classroom community.
EDU 451/EDEC 495: Level 3
Your Level 3 clinical experience is designed to give you substantial, hands-on teaching practice with a total of 80 hours in 5th-8th grade classrooms as you prepare for student teaching. This placement provides the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your methods courses, develop instructional continuity, and contribute meaningfully to classroom learning. Early Childhood teacher candidates will complete three to four sessions each week in the UM LAB school, for a total of 135 hours.
Secondary and K-12 Education
EDU 395: Classroom Management
In this introductory clinical experience, secondary and K-12 teacher candidates will complete 30 hours of observation in a classroom aligned to their content area while engaging in foundational classroom management strategies. Teacher candidates double-majoring or completing a teaching minor may split their placement in two settings.
EDU 395: Methods
Teacher candidates will enroll in this clinical experience concurrently with their methods course. They will engage in 45 hours in a classroom, wherein 8-10 hours are spent directly teaching. The grade level will vary from the previous placement to ensure candidates have a well-rounded experience before student teaching.