Field experiences have long been recognized as a critical component of teacher education. Nova Southeastern University is committed to providing quality Field experiences for all education majors as an integral part of pre-service training. These experiences enable
teacher candidates to apply theory and effective practices in actual classrooms and acquire competencies necessary for successful teaching. Teacher candidates learn from both their successes and mistakes when supported by caring teachers in a positive, nurturing environment.
Nova Southeastern University is committed to providing quality field experiences for all education majors as an integral part of pre-service training. Underlying this commitment is the philosophy that field experiences provide a vital link between educational theory and practice. When a transfer of learning occurs from the university classroom to a real-life setting, the connection significantly contributes to the professional development of the teacher candidate. All participants are enriched by these experiences.
The Florida state legislature has mandated that all education majors in college/university teacher preparation programs participate in a planned series of field experiences. Field experiences must begin early in the program and culminate with the final internship. During these experiences, teacher candidates should be given the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of
Accomplished Practices and
Subject Area Competencies. In addition, teacher candidates must be provided with guidance and feedback in the field setting.
All education courses at Nova Southeastern University's Undergraduate Teacher Education Program curriculum require a ten (10) hour field experience component. The field experiences vary depending on the competencies and accomplished practices required in the course.
Office of Placement Services Contact Information
Dr. Marliese Hogan, Director of Placement Services/Program Professor
Robin Douglas, Coordinator of Clinical Experiences (954) 262-8561
Jodi Miller, Coordinator of Field Experiences (954) 262-5364
Department Fax #: 954-262-3925
The internship experience is the final phase of the NSU Undergraduate Teacher Education Program. This 12-week course includes evening seminar meetings and 12 weeks of teaching in a local school. Students will be placed in a school site by the internship coordinator. Students will gradually assume full responsibility for teaching the class to which they are assigned. EDUC 4570 Internship/Seminar is offered each academic year in the fall and winter terms at all sites.
EDUC 4570 is a required twelve-credit course for all education majors and must be completed at NSU. Since it is the terminal course for the degree, it cannot be transferred from another institution, nor can experience be substituted to satisfy this requirement.
Florida Board of Education's Administrative Rule 6A-4.002 allows some full-time administrative or teaching experience to be substituted for some coursework, but it does not permit this experience in lieu of student teaching for purposes of initial certification. Substitute teaching or teacher-assistant positions are not considered full-time teaching and will not be approved in lieu of the internship.
Internship Application
It is the student's responsibility to complete and submit the internship application before the deadline.
Fall semester deadline - February 1
Winter semester deadline - August 1
Once the application is received, the applicant's file is reviewed for completion of all requirements. Students will receive a copy of a completed senior audit with a letter indicating their internship status (conditionally approved or denied). The internship coordinator develops a final list of student interns for that semester and supplies it to the academic advisors and academic program managers for registration at least one month before the internship start date. At that time, students will register for EDUC 4570 Internship/Seminar.
Students are eligible for the internship if they have earned the appropriate credits (including all general education requirements, all program requirements, and all courses required for the major, except the internship), have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and have passed all specified testing requirements.
Internship dates are published in the Fischler School of Education and Human services class schedules. If a student does not meet the above requirements, the internship application will be denied until all requirements are met.
Refer to the Internship Handbook for a complete explanation of policies and procedures covering the internship program. All questions about the Internship Program should be directed to the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program at (954) 262-7900.