Clinical Information

In alignment with accreditation standards for teacher preparation programs, candidates are expected to complete a logical progression of clinical (i.e., “field” or school) experiences that are connected to their coursework and that prepare them to teach in P-12 classrooms.

To meet this requirement, all teacher education candidates take part in early clinical experiences interacting with teachers and students in various schools in the area. To ensure alignment with state requirements, the Office of School and Community Partnerships facilitates clinical placement arrangements for candidates located within 50 miles of campus, and these clinical placements are arranged through an online portal system called Sonia.

Note: Employed teachers and/or Distance Education students must also complete clinical experiences as part of their program requirements. Employed teachers and/or Distance Education students must use the Clinical Sign-up Form for Employed or Distance Education Students to secure and document their placement with the Office of School and Community Partnerships.

Signing up for Clinicals & Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Students will sign in to the clinical portal in Sonia using their UNC Charlotte account. If you experience difficulties with Sonia, please email Sonia Student Placements at sonia-placements@charlotte.edu
  • If students get the message that “No more slots are available,” that means that someone signed up for the last available slot at the school.
  • Students should not contact the school or try to arrange clinicals at schools where we do not have existing slots. If your preferred clinical site is not available, you must select another site.

Clinical Portal dates:

The Sonia Clinical Portal is available during these time periods:

  • Fall Semester: Open August 25 (8:00 am) until November 21
  • Spring Semester: Open January 20 (8:00 am) until April 18

More information about Clinical Experiences, including informational videos, accessing the Sonia clinical portal, and additional field experience resources, can be found below.

Clinical Resources: