Introduction to Field Placements

Field experiences are placements in educational settings such as schools and registered day care centers, which allow education students to directly observe and participate in the setting. Wartburg students participate in field experiences by either taking specific field experience courses or by taking education classes having field experiences embedded within them. There are two types of field placements: field experiences and student teaching.

Field experiences provide short-term placements in which education students observe teaching and learning in educational settings, and/or provide teaching under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher. Student teaching courses are long term experiences (14 weeks total and often divided into two 7-week experiences) in which students teach full time under the supervision of an experienced teacher and are expected to become increasingly independent in their curriculum development, lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching.

General Information

• Placement Process (PDF)
• Field Experience Handbook (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Student Information

• School Listings
• Student Field Experience Sign-up

Teacher Information

• Teacher Field Experience Sign-up

Mission Statement: Provide opportunities for students to develop the talents and abilities necessary to become effective and reflective teachers in lives of professional service and leadership as a spirited expression of their faith and learning. A primary purpose of teaching is to be of service to the students and families in the schools and community.

Functions of the Education Department: The department serves all of the teacher education programs within the teacher education program and works with students in the early childhood, elementary, and secondary programs to arrange placements in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade settings. The office serves the following functions: 

• Fosters and maintains effective partnerships with schools and day care centers
• Coordinates and facilitates necessary contracts between K-12 schools and Wartburg College to permit students to have field placements
• Develops programs and organizes assistance for the educational partner settings

Objectives of Field Experiences: There are four key objectives that have been identified to serve as guidance in helping students become effective and reflective teachers. They are: 

• Gain greater insight into the professional responsibilities of a classroom teacher (instructional strategies, classroom management, documentation, assessment/evaluation)
• Gain professional understanding and practical teaching experience through observation, planning and practice under the guidance of an experienced teacher 
• Provide opportunities to integrate classroom concepts and pedagogy into practice in an engaging and active way, which is differentiated to meet the individual needs of children
• Gain experience working with colleagues in the school setting and develop deeper insight into the climate and culture of schools

Field Experience Background Checks

All education students must complete the Single Contact Repository (SING) background check before participating in any field experience or student teaching.

• Background Check Instructions
• Background Check Release Form