Clinical Experiences

Office of Clinical Experiences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5240 USA
(269) 387-4891

Frequently Asked Questions

Attendance

Remember, you are on the school district's calendar. Your fall internship begins when teachers return to their classrooms (generally the week before Labor Day) and your spring internship begins when WMU's spring classes start. The last day for all internships is the Thursday prior to graduation.

  • You must report every absence to Lynn Lee—otherwise, your internship may be terminated.
  • Absences may result in a discontinued or extended internship.
  • Most schools require interns and teachers to be in their room 30 minutes before students arrive and remain 30 minutes after students leave. Check with your mentor teacher to find out your exact schedule.
  • Being tardy or leaving early will count as an absence.
  • Be sure to know how your mentor teacher and coordinator want to be notified when you need to be absent or late.

Background checks

  1. Complete an ICHAT background check and submit to the Office of Clinical Experiences.
  2. Kalamazoo Public Schools placements: You need to complete a KPS record check.

Electronic portfolio

An electronic portfolio is required for graduation and is a part of your Tk20 field experience binder.

  • Your WMU coordinator will assist you with the Tk20 process and requirements.

Insurance

  • You will need to submit proof of health insurance for your internship semester. 

Intern seminar

  1. The intern seminar is a graded two credit course.
  2. You must pass both classes associated with your placement (seminar class and field experience course) in order to pass your internship.
  3. The seminar consists of material relevant to you and your job search. Among other topics, you will cover
    • Certification requirements
    • Electronic portfolios
    • Impact on student learning assignment
    • Mock interviews
    • Resumes

Lesson plans

Deadline to submit: Before you teach a lesson, usually one week in advance.

  • Lesson plans are to follow the format required by your school.
  • If you miss one deadline the action will be reported to your WMU coordinator and you may need to meet with the Office of Clinical Experiences.
  • If you miss two or more deadlines your internship may be terminated.

Midterm and final evaluations

  • You will be evaluated on the ten MI-InTASC standards.
  • The more familiar you are with the standards the easier it will be for you to successfully address them.

Evaluation forms

Professional conduct

  • Dress
    • You must establish yourself as a professional.
    • Your mode of dress must never be distracting to your students or colleagues.
  • Communication
    • Avoid gossip.
    • Be aware of both verbal and nonverbal communication.

Remember that confidentiality is legally mandated.

Registration process

  • Please make sure that there are no HOLDS on your account.
  • You need to have submitted your transfer coursework, your background check results, and your proof of insurance.
  • Students will be charged on a per-credit-hour rate.
  • You cannot begin your placement until you are registered for internship classes.

Substitute teaching

Interns completing a full semester placement are eligible to substitute teach for their mentor teacher with the following stipulations:

  • Can only be for the mentor teacher—not for any other teacher.
  • Needs to be approved by principal, coordinator, and mentor teacher.
  • Needs to be after the midpoint of the semester.
  • Can only be up to five days.
  • Can only be paid if registered with appropriate agency prior to the beginning of the semester.

Tuition and enrollment

  • Most students will be registered for 12 credit hours.
  • Students will be charged on a per-credit-hour rate basis.
  • ED 4100 seminar—which is two credits—is graded.
  • ED 4710 or ED 4750—which are both ten credits—is graded pass or fail.

Special Education students

  • You will be registered for 14 credit hours during each of your internships.
  • You will have an additional four credit class required even during your elementary education internship. Your ED 4710 is eight credit hours.

University facilities

Because you are not on campus during your internship your enrollment fee is waived. Since you are not paying the enrollment fee, you do not have unlimited access to all University facilities.

Free access

  • Computer lab (with your Bronco ID card)
  • Libraries (with your Bronco ID card)

Fee-based access

  • Student Recreation Center
  • Parking