Students seeking Indiana state certification in teacher education are required to complete several courses of observation and participation in schools in or near Bloomington. These courses are offered as corequisites to educational psychology and methods courses. They are given as Satisfactory/Fail courses for 0-2 credits. A small fee is assessed in connection with these field experiences.

Attention: You may be required to provide a criminal history check to school districts before participating in field placements and student teaching. School districts may deny a field placement or student teaching assignment based on a misdemeanor or felony conviction. The application process for a teaching license in Indiana requires a current criminal history check. Convicted felons may not hold a teaching license in Indiana.

Students will be assigned to field experiences in schools where they have no previous history or relatives attending or working. Several visits are required each semester. Because it is the student’s responsibility to find transportation to the assigned school (which can be up to 50 miles from campus), it is very helpful to have a car available for semesters of field experience. Carpooling is arranged where needed.

For field experiences in early childhood education, students will visit nearby child care centers. These sites require proof of a recent physical, TB test, and criminal history check at the student’s expense. Forms will be provided by IU.