Welcome to the Secondary Education Office of Field Experiences. The mission of this office is to help future Secondary Education teachers see the real world of teaching. This is accomplished by placing preservice teachers in public schools for both early clinical field experiences and the student teaching experience.

Secondary Education students have the opportunity to participate in clinical experiences in the schools at Level I and II of the Secondary Education Program. My staff assistant and I work closely with the instructors of the methods courses and public schools to coordinate these clinical experiences.

For the capstone student teaching experience, it is our goal to create the best possible experience for student teachers by placing them in classrooms where they can develop the skills and knowledge that involve the application of current educational principles and theories. Student teaching has long been identified as one of the most important components in teacher education. During this period, student teachers begin their transition from university student to professional teacher. This transition requires the coordinated efforts of many individuals--students, public school teachers and administrators, and university supervisors.

Coordination among so many people requires open communication. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions you have about public school field experiences.

Mary Bedingfieldsmith
Office of Field of Experiences
Education Bldg Room 330C
435-797-0958

Mary.bedingfieldsmith@usu.edu