Field Experience in the School of Education

At SNHU, you won't just listen to us talk our mission and conceptual frameworks, you'll experience them through your education coursework and field experiences. If you're pursuing teacher certification, you'll be in the field your first course with us. Our programs are a unique blend of theoretical insights, research-driven foundations and practical experience. We prepare you to work with a variety of students and other professionals, from infants to school-aged children to adults.

The School of Education has relationships with a number of local schools and organizations where students complete their field experience while acquiring a solid background in their disciplines. For example, students enrolled in programs leading to certification complete a minimum of 100 hours of field experience that “provide opportunities for observing, teaching, and engaging with school-age youth” before they student teach in accordance with state requirements. Some coursework has field experiences included to enhance their content. In addition to course-embedded field experiences, students are expected to participate in additional field experiences of their choice. This provides them with the opportunity to participate in field experiences that best meet their personal goals. Despite the benchmark of 100 hours as the minimum amount of time required to be spent participating in field experiences for an initial certification, the School of Education emphasizes that it is not quantity, but quality, that teacher candidates should strive for.

Students not seeking teacher certification participate in meaningful internship and practicum experiences in an effort to gain new skills, grow as a leader and professional, and provide service to the community.

Specific guidelines for field experience are communicated to all students through the School of Education's Field Experience Handbook (PDF - 171 kb).