Clinical Experience 1 & 2
Description
As part of the Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education (ESE)/Elementary Education programs, teacher candidates complete two clinical experiences in real classrooms before their final Student Teaching capstone semester. These experiences provide invaluable opportunities to observe, practice, and refine teaching skills under the guidance of an experienced Cooperating Teacher.
During Clinical Experience 1 and 2, UWF students engage in hands-on learning, working directly with individual students, small groups, and whole classes in subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Candidates spend 8-10 hours per week (approximately 75-100 hours per semester) in the classroom, actively developing their instructional skills and applying effective teaching practices.
Clinical Experience 2 includes a special emphasis on supporting English Language Learners (ELLs), helping future educators build effective learning environments for all students. These experiences are designed to bridge theory and practice, ensuring UWF teacher candidates feel confident and prepared for their own classrooms.
Clinical Experience 1 Requirements
To be eligible for Clinical Experience 1, students must meet the following requirements:
- Meet the minimum GPA requirement:
- Elementary Education and ESE/Elementary Education students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Pass the General Knowledge Exam (GKE).
- Be admitted to a certification program (Elementary Education or ESE/Elementary Education).
- Complete EDF 3234 with a grade of C- or higher.
- Submit an application through Exxat or another designated data management system during the appropriate application window:
- Fall semester: April 1 – May 1
- Spring semester: October 1 – November 1
These requirements ensure that candidates are well-prepared for their initial classroom experiences.
Clinical Experience 2 Requirements
To qualify for Clinical Experience 2, students must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain a minimum program GPA of 2.5.
- Complete the following courses with a grade of C- or higher:
- EDG 3945
- TSL 4081
- Be admitted to a certification program (Elementary Education or ESE/Elementary Education).
- Submit an application through Exxat or another designated data management system during the appropriate application window:
- Fall semester: April 1 – May 1
- Spring semester: October 1 – November 1
These requirements ensure that candidates are prepared for their advanced clinical placement experiences.
Fingerprinting and Background Checks
To comply with the Jessica Lunsford Act, all students completing a clinical experience in the State of Florida must be fingerprinted and complete a background check. Teacher candidates in Escambia, Okaloosa, or Santa Rosa Counties will be sent fingerprinting information via email from the Office of Clinical Placements and Partnerships prior to clinical placement.
Distance students should refer to their local school district website for procedures and costs for fingerprinting and background checks when they complete their application in the data management system. Students will not be allowed entry into a school without first completing the fingerprinting and background checks required by that district.
