{"id":95,"date":"2026-11-05T17:51:34","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T17:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/plc\/?page_id=95"},"modified":"2026-11-05T19:28:45","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T19:28:45","slug":"policies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/plc\/professional-learning-community\/clinical-handbook-for-students-and-educators\/policies\/","title":{"rendered":"Clinical Placement Policies and Procedures"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tStudent Resources<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tEducator Resources<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tClinical Handbook<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n

Handbook Quick links:<\/p>\n

Clinical Experience Framework<\/a>
\nPlacement Policies\/Procedures<\/a>
\nRoles and Responsibilities<\/a>
\nExpectations and Ethical Conduct<\/a>
\nPolicies and Requirements<\/a>
\nAssessment and Evaluation\u00a0<\/a>
\nProcedures and Daily Expectations<\/a>
\nSupport and Resolution Processes<\/a>
\nCompleting the Experience<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Clinical Placement Policies and Procedures <\/strong>Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n

Clinical placements provide teacher candidates with authentic opportunities to apply educational theory, develop instructional skills, and engage in the professional responsibilities of educators within P\u201312 school settings. The Clinical Experiences Office coordinates placements in collaboration with educator preparation programs, university faculty, school administrators, and mentor teachers to ensure candidates are placed in supportive learning environments aligned with their licensure areas and professional goals. Clinical placements are carefully designed to provide candidates with meaningful experiences while maintaining the quality, support, and guidance necessary for successful professional growth. Candidates are expected to approach each placement with professionalism, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous learning.<\/p>\n

Purpose of Clinical Placements<\/strong><\/p>\n

The purpose of clinical placements is to provide candidates with meaningful opportunities to:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Apply educational theory and research in authentic classroom environments.<\/li>\n
  • Develop instructional planning, teaching, assessment, and classroom management skills.<\/li>\n
  • Observe and participate in effective educational practices.<\/li>\n
  • Work collaboratively with experienced educators.<\/li>\n
  • Engage with diverse learners and school communities.<\/li>\n
  • Receive feedback and guidance to improve professional practice.<\/li>\n
  • Demonstrate readiness for increasing levels of instructional responsibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Clinical placements serve as the bridge between university coursework and professional teaching practice.<\/p>\n

    Clinical Placement Partnerships and Responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Successful clinical experiences require collaboration among candidates, mentor teachers, school partners, university faculty, program representatives, and the Clinical Experiences Office. Each partner contributes to creating meaningful and supportive experiences for teacher candidates.<\/p>\n

    Clinical Experiences Office<\/strong> – <\/strong>The Clinical Experiences Office is responsible for:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Coordinating clinical placements with school partners.<\/li>\n
    • Communicating placement information and requirements to candidates.<\/li>\n
    • Ensuring placements meet program and licensure expectations.<\/li>\n
    • Maintaining clinical experience documentation.<\/li>\n
    • Supporting communication among candidates, schools, and university personnel.<\/li>\n
    • Addressing placement concerns in collaboration with appropriate stakeholders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Teacher Candidate<\/strong> – <\/strong>Teacher candidates are responsible for:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Completing all placement requirements by established deadlines.<\/li>\n
      • Reporting to clinical placements as scheduled.<\/li>\n
      • Communicating professionally with school personnel.<\/li>\n
      • Following school district and university policies.<\/li>\n
      • Maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.<\/li>\n
      • Preparing for instructional responsibilities.<\/li>\n
      • Seeking and applying feedback to improve practice.<\/li>\n
      • Demonstrating professionalism throughout the clinical experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Candidates should recognize that clinical placements are professional experiences and should approach each placement with the same responsibility, preparation, and commitment expected of practicing educators.<\/p>\n

        Mentor Teacher<\/strong> – <\/strong>Mentor teachers provide daily guidance, support, and professional modeling throughout the clinical experience. Mentor teachers are responsible for:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Welcoming candidates into the classroom and school community.<\/li>\n
        • Modeling effective instructional practices.<\/li>\n
        • Providing opportunities for observation, participation, and teaching.<\/li>\n
        • Communicating expectations and classroom routines.<\/li>\n
        • Providing constructive feedback and encouragement.<\/li>\n
        • Supporting candidate reflection and professional growth.<\/li>\n
        • Collaborating with university faculty and program representatives when appropriate.<\/li>\n
        • Participating in candidate evaluations and required documentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Mentor teachers serve as professional role models who help candidates develop confidence, competence, and professional identity.<\/p>\n

          COEPD Faculty and Program Support<\/strong> – <\/strong>COEPD faculty and program representatives support candidates throughout the clinical experience sequence by providing guidance, communication, and program-level support. COEPD faculty and program representatives are responsible for:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Communicating program expectations and clinical requirements.<\/li>\n
          • Supporting candidates\u2019 professional development.<\/li>\n
          • Collaborating with mentor teachers and school partners as needed.<\/li>\n
          • Providing guidance related to coursework, instructional practice, and professional growth.<\/li>\n
          • Monitoring candidate progress through program assessments and required documentation.<\/li>\n
          • Addressing concerns related to candidate performance in collaboration with appropriate stakeholders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            COEPD faculty and program representatives work collaboratively with candidates, mentor teachers, and the Clinical Experiences Office to support successful clinical experiences.<\/p>\n

            School Partners and Administrators<\/strong> – <\/strong>School partners and administrators contribute to successful clinical experiences by:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • Supporting candidate placements.<\/li>\n
            • Providing access to authentic learning environments.<\/li>\n
            • Collaborating with the university to support candidate development.<\/li>\n
            • Encouraging professional participation within the school community.<\/li>\n
            • Supporting communication between school personnel and university representatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Strong school partnerships ensure candidates experience the realities of professional practice while receiving appropriate guidance and support.<\/p>\n

              Placement Eligibility Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Candidates must meet all program requirements before beginning a clinical placement. Eligibility requirements may include:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Completion of required prerequisite coursework.<\/li>\n
              • Appropriate academic standing.<\/li>\n
              • Completion of required background checks and clearances.<\/li>\n
              • Completion of required assessments.<\/li>\n
              • Approval from the educator preparation program.<\/li>\n
              • Completion of required application materials.<\/li>\n
              • Attendance at required clinical experience orientations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Candidates who have not met eligibility requirements may not begin a clinical placement until all requirements have been satisfied.<\/p>\n

                Clinical Placement Process<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Clinical placements follow a structured process designed to support candidate success and maintain strong partnerships with P\u201312 schools.<\/p>\n

                Step 1: Candidate Preparation<\/strong> – <\/strong>Before placement, candidates should:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Review clinical experience requirements.<\/li>\n
                • Complete required documentation.<\/li>\n
                • Attend required orientations.<\/li>\n
                • Communicate with program faculty and the Clinical Experiences Office.<\/li>\n
                • Prepare for professional participation in a school setting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  Step 2: Placement Development<\/strong> – <\/strong>The Clinical Experiences Office collaborates with school partners to identify appropriate placements based on:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Candidate licensure area.<\/li>\n
                  • Program requirements.<\/li>\n
                  • Availability of qualified mentor teachers.<\/li>\n
                  • School capacity.<\/li>\n
                  • Opportunities for meaningful clinical experiences.<\/li>\n
                  • Candidate professional growth needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Placement decisions are made to support candidate development and needs of partner schools.<\/p>\n

                    Step 3: Placement Confirmation<\/strong> – <\/strong>Once a placement is confirmed:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Candidates receive placement information.<\/li>\n
                    • Candidates communicate with their assigned mentor teacher.<\/li>\n
                    • Candidates review school expectations and procedures.<\/li>\n
                    • Candidates prepare for the first day of the clinical experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Placement Considerations<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      The Clinical Experiences Office considers multiple factors when determining placements, including:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Alignment with candidate licensure programs.<\/li>\n
                      • Availability of qualified mentor teachers.<\/li>\n
                      • Classroom and school environment.<\/li>\n
                      • Opportunities for diverse educational experiences.<\/li>\n
                      • Candidate readiness and professional goals.<\/li>\n
                      • Partnership agreements with schools and districts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        While candidate preferences may be considered, placement decisions are based on program requirements, availability, and the overall goal of providing high-quality clinical experiences.<\/p>\n

                        Diversity of Clinical Experiences<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        The College of Education and Professional Development values providing candidates with experiences in diverse educational settings. Clinical placements may provide opportunities to engage with differences in:<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Grade levels.<\/li>\n
                        • Student populations.<\/li>\n
                        • School communities.<\/li>\n
                        • Instructional approaches.<\/li>\n
                        • Educational programs.<\/li>\n
                        • Learning needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Exposure to varied educational environments helps candidates develop the flexibility, awareness, and responsiveness needed to serve all learners effectively.<\/p>\n

                          Attendance and Participation Expectations<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          Clinical experiences are professional responsibilities requiring consistent attendance and active participation. Candidates are expected to:<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Attend all scheduled clinical hours.<\/li>\n
                          • Arrive on time and prepared.<\/li>\n
                          • Notify appropriate personnel regarding absences.<\/li>\n
                          • Complete required make-up hours when necessary.<\/li>\n
                          • Participate fully in classroom and school activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Consistent attendance and active engagement are essential components of professional practice. Failure to meet these expectations may affect successful completion of the clinical experience.<\/p>\n

                            Changes to Clinical Placements<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            Clinical placements are established carefully to provide stable and meaningful learning experiences. Placement changes are considered only when necessary. Reasons for placement changes may include:<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Circumstances affecting candidate growth.<\/li>\n
                            • Changes in school staffing.<\/li>\n
                            • Mentor teacher availability.<\/li>\n
                            • Safety\/Professional concerns.<\/li>\n
                            • Situations beyond the control of the candidate or COEPD.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Placement changes must be reviewed and approved through the Clinical Experiences Office in collaboration with appropriate COEPD and school personnel. Candidates should communicate concerns promptly and work with COEPD support personnel rather than attempting to resolve placement issues independently.<\/p>\n

                              Professional Conduct During Placements<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              Candidates are expected to demonstrate professional behavior throughout all clinical experiences. Professional conduct includes:<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Respectful communication.<\/li>\n
                              • Ethical decision-making.<\/li>\n
                              • Confidentiality.<\/li>\n
                              • Appropriate professional boundaries.<\/li>\n
                              • Responsible use of technology and social media.<\/li>\n
                              • Commitment to student learning and success.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Candidates represent Marshall University and the education profession and are expected to uphold professional standards in all clinical settings.<\/p>\n

                                Chapter Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                Clinical placements provide candidates with essential opportunities to develop as educators through authentic school-based experiences. Successful placements depend on strong partnerships among teacher candidates, mentor teachers, school administrators, COEPD faculty and program representatives, and the Clinical Experiences Office. Through intentional placement procedures, clear expectations, and collaborative support, candidates are provided with the experiences necessary to grow from developing practitioners into effective educators.<\/p>\n

                                The next chapter describes the specific roles and responsibilities of candidates, mentor teachers, university faculty and program representatives, and school partners throughout the clinical experience process.<\/p>\n

                                \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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