Field Experiences

Field Experience Placement Information

Faculty or candidates may request a particular school for placement. However, placement at a specific school is not guaranteed. Candidates must be prepared to accept any school within the school system they request.

If a school division is unable to place a candidate, we will notify you, and you may request another division. Candidates cannot be placed in:

• Schools where they have relatives, or
• Any high school they attended or graduated from.
   

To gain a variety of experiences, candidates should not request the same school for multiple courses.
The duration of the field experience must be specific, and dates and times should be arranged directly with your assigned clinical faculty.

Before Reporting to Your Placement

You may not report to your placement until you receive an official email from the Office of Clinical Experiences (OCE).
Your placement email will be sent once:

1. The school division approves your placement, and
2. Your background check has been posted to Leo Online.
    

You’ll receive notification through your ODU email.
After receiving your assignment, you must contact the principal or designated contact person within one week — before reporting to the school.

During Your Field Experience

Your instructor will explain the objectives and requirements of your field experience. Once you receive your placement:

• Share a letter of introduction and course expectations with your clinical faculty.
• Your evaluation form can be sent to your mentor teacher through your placement portal.
• Always dress professionally (business casual) while completing your hours.
   

If professional clothing is a concern, contact OCE for help through the Monarch Professional Closet.
At the end of your experience, please thank your clinical faculty with a short note or card.

Processing Timeline

Due to the high demand for placements, please allow 4–6 weeks after the add/drop deadline for approval and placement information.
Late requests may not be processed by school divisions.

Transportation

Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to assigned schools.

We understand that getting to your placement can sometimes be difficult. To help, ODU partners with Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) to offer the GoPass365 program, which provides affordable and convenient access to buses, light rail, and ferries throughout the region.

With the GoPass365, you’ll have unlimited rides across the HRT system from July 1 to June 30 each year. The pass is available to ODU students at a discounted rate.
Please note:

• The pass is non-refundable.
• There is a $25 replacement fee for lost or stolen passes.
   

Passes can be purchased at the Transportation and Parking Services Office, located at 4310 Elkhorn Avenue.
Click here for more information.
Because school divisions assign placements based on availability, requesting a change to a closer location could delay your progress and extend your program completion timeline.