Office of Clinical Practice - FAQs

What is fieldwork?

Fieldwork experience is defined by the New York State Commission of Education as “direct observation of teaching, participation in teaching or teaching itself that is related to the teacher education program.” Mostly you will complete your fieldwork in school settings, however, some courses may require attendance at, community-based settings or museums. Your fieldwork placement should align with the requirements of each course, so review your syllabus and ask your professor what is appropriate.

When do I do fieldwork?

You will be required to do fieldwork almost every semester for almost every course offered as part of your SOE program.Each semester your school visit schedule will be determined by your class and work schedule and the availability of the cooperating teacher or school agreeing to host you. Schedule fieldwork as you plan your work for the semester. Take into account the total hours you require. Be respectful of the agreement with our host school and be prompt and reliable!

How many hours do I have to complete?

Each course has its own requirements from 10 to 45 hours of fieldwork. Almost every course in every program has a fieldwork requirement. Students must complete at least 100 clock hours of fieldwork prior to beginning student teaching in order to meet New York State certification requirements.

When is fingerprinting required?

Students who are doing more than 30 hours of fieldwork in a single semester, MUST be fingerprinted prior to being placed by the Office of Clinical Practice. You will be required to complete an application for the Personnel Eligibility Tracking System (PETS) to obtain clearance. Visit the OCP, NAC 6/207A for more information about fingerprinting and to begin the process.

Is Tuberculosis (TB) test result required?

A negative TB test result is required and must be updated yearly. Your doctor can complete the TB test result form available in the Office of Clinical Practice or provide a form from their office.

How and when do I get placed?

The first step is to fill out a Placement Request Form.

Complete the application in the beginning of the semester. The OCP coordinates student fieldwork placements with our partner schools in the beginning of the semester to accommodate their scheduling. Placements toward the end of the semester are more difficult to secure.

How fieldwork documented?

Complete a separate Fieldwork Timesheet for each class. Throughout the semester, record your activities and hours on the timesheet and have the cooperating teacher initial after each visit. At the end of the semester, obtain a signature from the cooperating teacher and the CCNY course instructor. Retain a copy of the Timesheet for your records and submit the original to the Office of Clinical Practice.

What could go wrong?

How do I apply for student teaching?

Student teaching is the culminating experience in your teacher education program and should be completed during your last term at the college. In additionto completing the application,make an appointment with your academic advisor. You may also contact the Office of Clinical Practice (OCP) and speak with one of our staff (212-650-6915) New York State Teaching Certification Exam Requirements – Dates Matter!

All CCNY SOE student teaching candidates must have passed at least one NYSTCE exams. In general programs accept as qualifying either the Educating All Students (EAS) exam or the Content Specialty Test (CST) associated with your concentration, but some programs have specific requirements. Check your program requirements when you meet with your academic advisor. Once you know what exam is required, work backwards from the test score reporting date and register accordingly. For Fall student teaching, the test scores must be reported by August 1; for Spring student teaching, the deadline is December 1.

How do I register for student teaching?

Permission to register in CUNYFIRST for student teaching, the student teaching seminar and the Friday workshops will be emailed to you by the Office of Clinical Practice after you have been approved for student teaching by the Committee on Academic Progress. You will be responsible for registering for any other course work during the regular registration period. It is highly recommended that you do not take more than one course with student teaching due to the work load.

How are student teachers placed?

Choosing placements for student teachers is multi-faceted. Many things are considered: travel time, supervisor match and teacher match. Choosing the right placement is important in your development as a teacher.

Can I choose my own site?

While students cannot self-place, student preferences and requests are taken into consideration.

How much time is required for student teaching?

Seventy days of student teaching is required for all undergraduate programs, and the graduate programs in Childhood Education and all Secondary Education subject areas. The graduate program in Early Childhood Education requires a semester of full-time teaching (70 days) divided between a major and minor placement. Hours for the other Graduate programs will vary according to “certification stream” and previous certifications.

What happens if I am ineligible?

If your application has been denied, you may see your advisor for next steps. The letter from the OCP generally states why your application has been denied. If you feel that your application was unjustly considered you may appeal to the Committee of Course and Standing.

Must I be fingerprinted in order to student teach?

Yes, all approved student teachers must be fingerprintedas part of the student teaching process. Most students begin their fingerprinting process while completing fieldwork. If you are not fingerprinted and registered through the CCNY SOE OCP, begin this process in the semester preceding your student teaching semester. For an appointment, email Noris Rodriguez at nrodriguez1@ccny.cuny.edu .

Attend the student teaching orientation for your program to learn about the Code of Ethics, Student Teaching/Practicum Timesheets, the Gradual Release Plan, and grading policy.