First, candidates in all of our programs spend a great deal of time working in schools. For example, candidates in the elementary education program spend two full days a week in the schools for the fall semester and four full days a week in the spring semester. In addition, these candidates also spend 15 consecutive school days in full assumption when they take full responsibility for the class. Candidates in the Secondary Program spend two full days a week in the schools during fall semester and five full days a week in the schools during the spring semester. During the spring semester, candidates teach three periods or two blocks and do a stewardship in the school for another period.
Stewardship can be tutoring, working in the library, working with a special program, etc.
More detailed information about the field experiences and clinical practice time requirements for all the programs are available in the Exhibit Room. Second, a number of UNM partnership programs have been nationally recognized for the unique quality and depth of the internship experiences. Third, the position of Director of Field Experiences was established in the Center for Teacher Education in 1999. The Director of Field Experiences is a key link in ensuring that the university and public schools work well together. The Director's responsibilities include strengthening the relationships between the university and the approximately 500 teachers who work with our initial licensure candidates.