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Frequently Asked Questions About Field Experiences
1. When should I apply for a methods practicum placement?
The teacher candidate should apply for their placement one year before the semester that they want to complete the field experience.
- For fall semester, applications are due November 15 (Example: Placement desired for fall 2010, applications due November 15, 2009).
- For spring semester, applications are due January 30 (Example: Placement desired for spring 2011, applications due January 30, 2010).
2. Are there requirements to meet to be eligible for a methods practicumfield experience?
The requirements are:
- Accepted for admission to the College of Education (includes application, successfully completing an FBI fingerprint screening, National Sex Offender Check and TB test).
- Undergraduates must have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- Undergraduate secondary education majors must also have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in content area courses.
- MATC and Post Baccalaureate teacher candidates must have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
3. Where do I find the application forms?
The application is located on the Aurora University Web site. The site is called Field Experience applications.
4. Who can help me answer questions about completing the application form?
There are two staff people in the Office of Field Experiences to answer any questions about the application:
- Cindi Willman, Clinical Placement Coordinator, 630-844-4642, cwillman@aurora.edu
- Heather Gillette, Clinical Placement Assistant, 630-844-3824, hgillett@aurora.edu
5. Where do I send my completed application?
Applications are to be attached to an e-mail sent to coefield@aurora.edu. Applications are only accepted by e-mail as attachments. NO PAPER COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED!
6. Do I need to find my own placement?
No, you are not allowed to seek your own placement. The Aurora University and school districts have agreements that specifically prohibit teacher candidates from arranging their own placements. Teacher candidates who try to seek their own placement may be denied a placement.
7. How will I be notified of my placement?
You will receive an e-mail notice on your Aurora University account of the date, time and place of the mandatory Methods Orientation Session. You will be notified of your placement at orientation, or sooner by AU email.
8. I have not received my placement! Everyone else has.
Some teacher candidates may know about their placement earlier than others because cooperating teachers or districts may request interviews prior to placement confirmation.
9. How is my placement determined?
Aurora University has established agreements with school districts in the area. These schools are considered for placements first. Other considerations are the quality experiences offered by the school, the availability of university supervisors and the distance from the teacher candidate’s residence.
10. May I appeal my placement?
Yes, there is an appeal process. You can access the appeal process information here. There is a limited amount of time to appeal your placement.
11. Will transportation be provided?
No, you must have your own transportation to the school site or make arrangements to get to your school site. Every attempt is made for those living on campus to have sites that are close to transportation.
12. Where can I get more information about the methods practicum field experience?
You can go to Moodle located at http://moodle.aurora.edu/moodle/. You will need an AU e-mail address to access Moodle.
The name of the Information Board is: College of Education: General Placement and Field Experiences Information Board.
There is no access key to this information board. By enrolling on this information board, you will be alerted through email of any important information regarding the methods practicum.
13. Will there be an orientation meeting to explain the parameters of the methods practicum experience?
Yes, prior to the start of the semester, there will be an orientation meeting. During this meeting, you will receive an overview of the experience, meet the university supervisor you will be working with and find out about the expectations of this experience. When you receive your notice by e-mail, the date, time and place of the orientation will be given to you. You can also find the orientation dates on the class schedule online. The Moodle Information Board will also have the orientation information on it. You will receive an AU e-mail notice of the orientation date, time and place.
