Field and Clinical Experiences

The purpose of educational field experiences is to provide each candidate with multiple opportunities to engage in the practical aspects of teaching in real classroom settings. The Teacher Education faculty, the Director of Clinical Experiences, Placements and Partnerships, and appropriate school personnel collaborate to plan and implement the selection of school sites, classrooms, and teaching/learning experiences appropriate to the needs of the candidates, the goals of the Educator Preparation Provider (EPP), and the GaPSC requirements.

Emphasis is placed on balancing each candidate’s experiences within grade band requirements, urban, suburban and rural environments to support their development in meeting the instructional needs of all learners within the Kennesaw State University service area.

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Each candidate is expected to be engaged in the full range of experiences in the respective program’s teacher certification requirements as prescribed by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). Candidates will participate in early to intermediate field experiences as early as the first semester of the program.

The Yearlong Clinical Experience (YCE) is the culminating capstone bridging theory to practice in educator preparation at Kennesaw State University.  In addition to teaching responsibilities, candidates also engage in data discussions, parent-teacher conferences, grade-level planning, district professional learning, and after school events. Candidates complete numerous certification milestones during YCE, including a minimum of 500 hours in their placement.

Admission to Yearlong Clinical Experience

Yearlong Clinical Experience (YCE) is the last field requirement completed in Teacher Education programs. Since YCE is field-based, the candidate is expected to follow the direction of the collaborating teacher, the school principal, the KSU university supervisor, and the KSU Director of Clinical Experiences, Placements and Partnerships (CEPP).

While candidate progress will be monitored throughout the program, a formal progress check will occur when candidates submit their applications for YCE. Formal application to YCE must be completed and submitted to the Clinical Experiences, Placements and Partnerships office. Candidates become eligible to participate in YCE by meeting the following requirements:

    1. Achieve a 2.5 institutional (adjusted) or cumulative GPA in all coursework at Kennesaw State University.
    2. Demonstrate professional behavior and dispositions in classes, field/clinical experiences, and in interactions with peers, faculty, and/or staff.
    3. Possess an active Pre-Service Certificate or Provisional Teaching Certificate from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
    4. Receive approval by the Clinical Experiences, Placements and Partnerships (CEPP) office.
    5. Meet any additional requirements as required by individual programs within Teacher Education. 

    The candidate is responsible for being aware of all YCE requirements, including those in specific degree programs.

    Candidates who have met the above requirements are required to complete the following YCE application steps:

    • Complete the online application for YCE
    • Obtain the signature of their program advisor on the “Advisor Review” form (undergraduate candidates only)

    Applications for YCE must be submitted to the Clinical Experiences, Placements and Partnerships (CEPP) office on or before the deadline dates specified below. The candidate is responsible for adhering to these deadlines. 

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    ADMISSION TO YEARLONG CLINICAL EXPERIENCE APPLICATION DEADLINE
    Fall Semester February 15
    Spring Semester September 15

    Placements will not be requested until the full application process is complete. 

    Candidates should review the  field and clinical placement policies prior to submitting their YCE application.

    Email all questions to fieldexp@kennesaw.edu.


Pre-Planning Policy

As part of your yearlong clinical placement, there will be a gap between the end of the summer semester and the start of the fall semester.  The gap between pre-planning and the start of the KSU semester may create challenges in maintaining continuity with your placement and staying engaged in day-to-day classroom operations. Please continue to attend your clinical placement during this time.

 Ongoing attendance during this period of time can provide opportunities to:

  • Maintain continuity with students and staff
  • Continue building professional skills and relationships
  • Gain additional exposure to instructional planning, classroom management, and school operations during the critical first weeks of school
  • Enhance your readiness to begin your clinical experience in your assigned classroom

If you require an exception and need an alternative assignment, please contact CEPP at fieldexp@kennesaw.edu and your Department Chair.

Spring Break Policy

Kennesaw State University teacher candidates receive one spring break from the clinical experience during YCE-II (i.e., 4660; 6660). The schedule of the spring break is determined by your department. Please confirm the exact dates of the clinical spring break with your program coordinator and/or department chair.

Withdrawals or Removal from Field Experiences

In the event a candidate withdraws and/or is removed from a placement, the program area’s Admissions and Academic Standing Committee will determine whether another attempt is warranted or makes a recommendation to remove the candidate from Teacher Education. If a second attempt is granted, the program area’s Admissions and Academic Standing Committee will determine an appropriate period of remediation and determine readiness for re-assignment at the completion of the designated remediation plan.

Candidates are expected to adhere to remediation requirements or any notifications they receive regarding areas of growth needed throughout their program. Failure to follow professional growth feedback will result in removal from Teacher Education.

In no case will a candidate be allowed more than two attempts at either Yearlong Clinical Experience I or Yearlong Clinical Experience II. Candidates who need to retake a clinical course, will need to reapply for a placement. It is the candidate’s responsibility to re-apply by published deadlines.

All candidates should read the Field Experience Handbook and pay particular attention to the Teacher Education Field/Clinical Placement Policies. Click to view The Field Experience Handbook.

Early Release from YCE II

All candidates must complete the yearlong clinical experience requirements for teacher certification. Program areas may opt to grant early release for employment purposes; however, early release is not guaranteed. Early release is approved on a case-by-case basis, depending on a candidate's readiness to teach. 

All early release applications must be approved by KSU and B-12 district personnel. 

Candidates must follow these steps to apply for an early release:

  1. The candidate receives an offer of employment from the Human Resources Department of the School System.
  2. The candidate emails the program coordinator and university supervisor.
  3. The program coordinator contacts the Director of CEPP to verify the candidate's eligibility for early release.
  4. Once verified, the Program Coordinator emails an early release application to the candidate
  5. CEPP sends the Early Release Form to the appropriate KSU and B-12 district personnel for signature.
  6. CEPP emails the principal and copies the candidate notifying them of the final decision.
  7. Early release decisions by program areas cannot be appealed.