FAQ

If I already work in a school in some capacity, can I do my field experience there?

Typically, you will do your field experience in a setting outside of your normal working situation. Partnerships have been prearranged with districts to allow for coaching in the field.

Where can I get information about an upcoming field experience?

You will receive information about field experiences from the Office of Field Experiences or from your class instructor at the beginning of the semester in which you are participating in a particular field experience. Field Experiences calendars can be found here.

Can I arrange my own field experience?

The Office of Field Experiences (Roskens Hall 204) works with faculty and area school districts to make the proper arrangements. The university works directly with the human resources department. Districts are limited by their capacity to place teacher candidates based on building needs, student needs and classroom teacher availability.

How do I apply for clinical practice?

The Application is done through Formstack. As a courtesy, each semester students who are eligible for clinical practice will receive an email with a link to the application materials. If they do not have the information, candidates are responsible for knowing the deadline and contacting their advisor. The deadline for fall clinical practice applications is February 15. The deadline for spring clinical practice is September 15.

• If the deadline falls on a weekend, applications are due the preceding business day. Please keep in mind you must schedule an interview as part of your application process, so be sure to consult the directions well in advance of the deadline. Interviews can usually be scheduled as much as two months ahead of the deadline so don’t be afraid to be an early bird!

When will I find out where I have been assigned?


For fall applicants, the goal is to have those assignments to you by the end of May. For spring applicants, we try to let you know in December. We will let you know via email.

• Please note this is subject to receipt of placement information from the districts. For fall applicants, this can be delayed due to other demands on the districts.

You will be contacted by the university supervisor with whom you will work prior to the start of clinical practice.

When do I start/finish?

You are expected to follow your cooperating teacher’s schedule. You will start when your cooperating teacher is expected in the classroom and finish before graduation. Candidates completing a dual endorsement with special education will have an extended time in the classroom based on being placed 10 weeks for each endorsement. You will be expected to attend seminars on campus.

How many days can I be absent?


UNO allows only two excused absences during the semester. An excused absence may include illness, a family emergency, or a job interview. Any other absence will need to be discuussed with the University Supervisor and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Plan your personal calendar to accommodate your clinical practice calendar and schedule.

Will I start teaching right away?


Your first two weeks of clinical practice are considered an orientation in which you will learn the policies and procedures of the district, the building, and the classroom you are in. Our policy is off your seat and on your feet! We expect you to be engaged and interacting with students from day one. This does not mean you are solo-teaching on day one. You and your cooperating teacher will begin implementing co-teaching strategies.

What happens if I don't get along with my cooperating teacher?


We encourage you to have open, respectful communication with your cooperating teacher. Remember, you are a guest in the classroom of a veteran teacher. Observe carefully, ask questions, and make certain you are communicating in a way that is respectful. However, you may also voice any concerns to your university supervisor.

What if I want to teach outside of Omaha?

It is the practice of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences to provide teacher candidates and graduate practicum students a variety of options for clinical practice and graduate practicum assignments. School sites include public, private, and parochial schools approved by the appropriate State Department of Education, the US Department of State, or the US Department of Defense.

While preferences are not guaranteed, teacher candidates and graduate students will have the opportunity to express a preference to be assigned to a school district or organization within one of three geographic areas referred to as Tiers. The Tiers are based on the distance between the UNO main campus and the central administration office of the school district or organization. Click here for more information.