In addition to the regular course work, our students have substantial field experience. The self-initiated experience includes actual classroom contact at Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School and other public schools as well as less formal situations in which our students have leadership responsibility for children and use educational strategies and techniques, such as church classes, tutoring, children's camp or playground, and coaching. For two semesters in the junior and senior years, our elementary education students undergo intense clinical field experience. The professional semester is a prerequisite and preparation for student teaching. It includes a block of in-depth courses along with a clinical field experience.
Student teaching occurs for one semester, during the senior year.
Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School is an alternative elementary school operated on the SU campus through cooperation between the university and the Shippensburg Area School District. It includes nursery school through fifth grade and is taught by Shippensburg University College of Education faculty and Shippensburg Area School District teachers. The curriculum is designed to reflect sound developmental and educational practices to meet the unique needs of the children and families served. Demonstration lessons are regularly taught which focus on the application and implementation of current research-based educational techniques. Our students have frequent opportunities to observe and to participate in the teaching process at Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School.