Field Experiences

Field experiences are an important component of the Cato College of Education student experience, offering valuable hands-on, real-world learning that directly complements academic coursework. These experiences bridge the gap between educational theory and practice, enabling education professionals to apply concepts learned in the classroom, establishing the foundation of a successful education career. Through practical engagement, individuals develop essential skills and build confidence, thoroughly preparing them for impactful careers in education.

Field Experiences in licensure programs include clinical experiences, an internship experience, and then culminate with student teaching. The following graphic provides an overview of field experiences for initial licensure programs in the Cato College of Education.

IMPORTANT: Current partnership agreements must be in place for students to complete any field experiences in a district, charter, or private school. Students are responsible for checking the partnership agreement spreadsheet and emailing oscp-coed@charlotte.edu if the school/district does not have a current agreement in place. In the email, please include the school/district name, the school/district contact name, and the email address. Students are NOT allowed to begin their field experiences until an agreement is in place. Please note: it may take several weeks or months to complete a partnership agreement.