Education and Human Development Experiential Learning
Overview
The School of Education and Human Development is built on Saint Joseph’s liberal arts core and situated at the intersection of theory and practice. We offer students a variety of hands-on learning opportunities that equip them with the knowledge and background to become licensed, successful professionals in education and behavioral health. Learn more about these opportunities below.
Fieldwork
Undergraduate and graduate education students seeking certification in grades PK-4, 4-8 or 7-12 in early childhood education, elementary education and/or special education are required to complete field experiences for most education courses every semester. Graduate students who are working full-time will need to be available for these placements during the regular school day. These field experiences allow teacher candidates to make explicit connections with course content and promote understanding of student cognitive development, motivation and learning styles.
Student Teaching
Teacher candidates at Saint Joseph’s University are required to successfully complete a full-time student teaching experience in an accredited K-12 school in their grade levels and subject areas of endorsement. Each student teacher is engaged in full-time teaching responsibilities under the guidance of a certified, experienced mentor teacher and a student-teacher mentor. Student teachers are welcome to provide input into their placements. Ideally, student teaching takes place in a classroom aligned with career goals. In some cases, teacher candidates may student teach in their own classrooms.