Field Placement

The program offers two types of field experiences, both of which provide teacher candidates with opportunities to try a variety of teaching strategies, to develop relationships with students and faculty, and to reflect critically on the teaching experience. The year-long student teaching experience is divided into the fall semester pre-practicum and the spring semester practicum. The practicum includes at least 300 hours in a school setting working with a teacher licensed in the appropriate subject area and grade level. Over the course of the year, teacher candidates become important members of the school community. They teach courses, develop innovative curriculum, work as tutors, assist as club advisors and coaches, attend parent conferences, and chaperone social events.

Type 1: Traditional Model
Some candidates choose the Traditional Model, student teaching two days per week in a school site in the fall semester and become full-time (five days per week) pre-service teachers in the spring semester. This route allows candidates to complete substantial course work in their discipline area during the fall term.

Type 2: UTTC Model
Some candidates opt to apply for the Urban Teacher Training Collaborative (UTTC), working as full-time interns (four days per week in the fall and five days per week in the spring) in urban school sites from late August through May. This route offers candidates a more intensive immersion into teaching and the school community. UTTC interns receive stipends (up to $10,000) and the number of internships is limited; candidates interested in applying for the internship must complete a supplemental essay in their application. Please note, this model is not available for online degree candidates.

The Placement Process

Candidates will be placed in their field sites by the end of June, although some placements are set in early fall. Education department faculty and staff help candidates find a school site placement that meets their pre-professional preparation needs. Prompt, early, and regular communication with Ryan Redmond, Director and Supervisor of Field Experiences, is essential in making the placement process as clear as possible. Incoming MAT candidates should follow this process:

Step 1:
What grade level would you like to teach and what type of school district interests you? Our partner school districts include Somerville, Medford, Malden, Cambridge, Arlington, and Boston and most of our candidates will be placed in classrooms in our partner schools, but this is not a requirement of the program; placements in other districts and schools can also be explored.

Step 2:
Admitted and enrolled students in the program should email Ryan Redmond or call 617-627-2391, in order to begin the field placement process and to receive contact information for potential Supervising Practitioners (mentor teachers) and school sites.

Step 3:
Schedule a visit with the recommended Supervising Practitioners. Observe a class, meet some students and get a sense of the school culture. If you are not going to be in the Boston area until after the end of the school year, contact potential Supervising Practitioners by phone or email to introduce yourself. Inquire about the schools, classes, teaching philosophy, etc. Provide an update to the Field Experiences department.

Supervision

Candidates are assigned a Program Supervisor who serves as a coach by observing teaching, debriefing observations, reviewing lesson plans and assessments, and supporting your development as a practitioner. The supervisor will observe your teaching at least 5 times over the course of the year.