The Education Department and school partners collaboratively plan, implement, and evaluate field experiences. They jointly determine the most appropriate placement for each teacher candidate with each teacher candidate assigned to an accomplished teacher. The teacher and teacher candidate then identify a mutually agreeable schedule for school visitation. Teacher candidates are guests in the school and are expected to follow all vistor and security policies and demonstrate respect for teachers, students and the learning community.

Teacher candidates will receive specific assignments related to the topics covered in their classes. Listed below are expectations designed to enrich the field experience component of education courses. Students are not required to do all of the activities listed, but should include as many as time and their course-related assignments permit.

During their years at UMBC, teacher candidates are strongly encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to teaching and learning opportunities for young people by volunteering to work independently with a student or group of students. Examples of appropriate opportunities with different age groups include tutoring, summer camp counseling, or other service learning occasions at a school of their choice. Documentation of hours and learning experiences may become a part of their portfolio.