Fieldwork and observation hours are a critical component of your preparation as an arts educator. Fieldwork hours should complement your coursework and provide an opportunity for you to explore multiple arts education settings.
Many courses require fieldwork experiences as part of the state requirements for teaching certification. These fieldwork opportunities allow students to observe and work closely with veteran arts educators in museums, schools, and community spaces. Students may locate their own placements or reach out to the program network for support in identifying potential sites for fieldwork. To apply for student teaching, students must have completed and submitted documentation for at least 100 hours of fieldwork to the Office of Clinical Practice.
GENERAL TIPS
Test out different art education settings
Now is your chance to try out a variety of learning spaces to see what you like. Charter schools, independent schools, public schools, elementary or secondary students, museums, Boys & Girls Clubs, adult learning, community art centers, etc. Use observation opportunities to gain access and exposure to environments that can be difficult to visit unless you have a reason. Field Work, and the “credential” of being a graduate student at CCNY is an access point for you to explore placements that are interesting to you.
Treat every visit like a job interview.
Dress professionally (whatever that means for the site), be your best-on-time-on-point self, call your contact to make sure they are expecting you, bring your resume with you, ask people what they look for when they are hiring. Then, once you’re there, show your best self so that they want to invite you back…this is a great way to find student teaching placements that may turn into permanent jobs.
Always take notes.
Your observations will be valuable as you develop your own teaching strategies. Pay attention to how the educator starts and ends class, how she transitions from one activity to the next, how she organizes supplies, decorates the room, provides student feedback, asks questions, and manages different types of learners. Keep lists of artists shown and activity/project ideas. This will be an invaluable resource as you plan your own classes.
FINDING A PLACEMENT
Ask your classmates
Many people in your class already have connections that they could easily connect you with. Many people already work in schools, museums, community centers. All of the “more senior” students have completed field work and have connections at places. This is the time to build your community of practice with your peers.
Research settings
Fieldwork is a good excuse to knock on some doors and meet people to learn about different contexts for art education. We encourage you to visit a variety of settings—community centers, museums, independent schools, public schools, charter schools, alternative schools, etc. This is an opportunity to see what context suits your needs and strengths the most. As you research settings look for different pedagogical approaches, audiences, and neighborhoods. Be particularly attentive of schools with growing art programs or possible future vacancies.
Participate in a program
If you volunteer, teach, or otherwise participate in a program where learning in the arts is happening, this can count as your fieldwork. Try CCNY’s partnership with PS 161 to get hands on experience while satisfying your observation hours.
CONTACTING PLACEMENTS
Communicate professionally
Once you’ve found a site, it is a good idea to reach out to your potential sites by writing an email or making a contact with a classmate or a phone call. Often times, that’s enough. Sometimes, an email from the program or other paperwork is required by the site. If your site requires a letter from CCNY, contact the Program Director. You can talk to the Fieldwork office if forms regarding TB tests are required.
Communicate often
Remember that the people and organizations you are observing are doing you a favor. Confirm your arrival time with them in advance and send thank you notes.
LOGISTICS
CCNY Forms
Forms are available from the Office of Clinical Practice (NAC 6/207A). You will need to have your time initialed by someone at the site. At the end of the semester, your professor will sign off on your initialed forms and you will turn them in to the Field Work office. Make photo copies of everything before turning it in to the field work office and keep these for your personal records.