Field Based Introduction Video Transcript

Hello. My name is Karen Mills, and I am the Student Teacher Coordinator for Special Education at Illinois State University. I would like to introduce you to our Field Based Program, a semester-long, pre-student-teaching experience. The Field Based semester takes place in the first semester of the senior year, when Field Based candidates are actively engaged in methods courses. They have already finished their core courses and have had several experiences in the public school classroom, including a practicum.

Participants are engaged in university coursework for the equivalent of one day per week, while placed with their cooperating teacher for the rest of the week. By the end of the semester, candidates are responsible for planning the teaching of at least two classes per day; however, unlike student teachers, they do not assume full classroom responsibilities. A chance to recruit new special educators, a professional development opportunity for current teachers, and fresh ideas and enthusiasm in your classroom, these are all reasons that teachers and administrators accept Illinois State University Field Base candidates. I look forward to working with you.