Field Experience

Basic Requirements

• Field experiences must be completed in at least three different schools, with a minimum of fifteen hours within each grade level/program category for which licensure is being pursued.
• Students are required to complete a specified number of hours with exceptional children and in a multicultural setting.​
  
• Field experiences must be completed in a classroom setting while school is in session and students are present.
• Field experiences must be unpaid and supervised by a fully licensed educator. Professional behavior and dress are expected at all times.

CPS Field Experience Process

In order to complete field experience within the Chicago Public Schools, students must complete a two-step process. Field experience includes any students completing observations, pre-clinical hours, practicum experiences and any pre-student teaching experiences in CPS schools. Field experience is not the same as student teaching clearance.

For instructions on how to register for field experience within CPS and obtain a background check, visit here.

Please contact Kathy Iwashima at kiwashim@depaul.edu if you have any questions about background checks.

Mandated Reporter

All school personnel, including administrators and both certified and non-certified school employees, are considered to be mandated reporters. Student teachers and student observers are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect when acting in their professional or official capacity.​

While completing field experiences and preparing for student teaching, students should be aware of the Mandated Reporter Training, which will be required before student teaching. ​​Student teachers and student observers are required to complete Mandated Reporter training. Please go to DCFS Training to create an account or log in to complete the Mandated Reporter training.​

At the end of the training students will take a quiz and then receive the Certificate of Completion (which must be printed out at the time of completion). Please make at least two copies and retain them with important documents. To complete the process, you must submit a digital copy of your certificate via this link​.

Please contact the Office of Community Partnerships & Student Internships (CPSI) with any questions:

FIELD EXPERIENCES STAFF