School-Based Placements

Students in the Elementary MAT program will complete a yearlong student teaching experience, from the first day of school to the last day of school. They will work with one mentor teacher and their classroom during this time. Students will submit a placement application and professional resume to the placement office. The placement coordinator will review these materials and connect to local districts to secure placements for students. Once a match is identified, the student will have the opportunity to meet their potential supervisor before confirming the placement. Students can expect to spend ~1000 hours in a K-12 classroom by the time they graduate.

Students in the Secondary MAT program will complete a yearlong student teaching experience, from the first day of school to the last day of school. They will work with one mentor teacher and their classroom during this time. Students will submit a placement application and professional resume to the placement office. The placement coordinator will review these materials and connect to local districts to secure placements for students. Once a match is identified, the student will have the opportunity to meet their potential supervisor before confirming the placement. Students can expect to spend ~1000 hours in a K-12 classroom by the time they graduate.

Students who are already licensed teachers and earning an endorsement in ESOL, Reading Intervention, or SPED are responsible for identifying their own mentor teacher for their 30-hour practicum. Typically, the mentor is a colleague or Teacher on Special Assignment. Once a student chooses a mentor, they will submit this information to the placement office, who will verify the mentor’s credentials and approve the placement.

School Counseling candidates will complete two field experiences. The first is a one-term practicum during the spring term of their first year. Students will be asked to submit a placement application and professional resume to the placement office. The placement coordinator will review these materials and connect to local districts to secure placements for students. Once a match is identified, these student will have the opportunity to meet their potential supervisor before confirming the placement.

During the second year of the program, candidates will complete a yearlong internship in one school. Similar to the practicum, students will submit a placement application and professional resume to the placement office. The placement coordinator will review these materials and connect to local districts to secure placements for students. Once a match is identified, the student will have the opportunity to meet their potential supervisor before confirming the placement. Occasionally, second-year school counseling candidates may apply for paid school counselor positions in local schools and use as their internship placement, with the permission of their faculty advisor.

School Psychology candidates will have three opportunities for field placement - pre-practicum, practicum, and internship.

Pre-practicum takes place in the student’s first year and will be fully coordinated through the placement office. During pre-practicum, students will spend one day a week in a local elementary classroom to learn the rhythm of school life.

During the second year of the program, students will complete a yearlong school psychology practicum, supervised by a school psychologist in the field. Students will submit a placement application and professional resume to the placement office in order to secure their practicum placement. The placement coordinator will work closely with district partners to match the student with a strong placement.

The internship will take place in the third and final year. Students are responsible for seeking out their own internship placement, with support form the placement office and their faculty advisor. Students will spend four days a week at their internship site, across all grade levels. Many local districts offer stipends to school psychology interns.

Students in our principal license program complete a three-term practicum towards the end of their program. Students will identify their own practicum mentor, who is typically a school building principal or district-level administrator. Once a student chooses a mentor, they will submit this information to the placement office, who will verify the mentor’s credentials and approve the placement.

Students in our professional administrator license program complete a two-term practicum towards the end of their program. Students will identify their own practicum mentor, who is typically a district-level administrator. Once a student chooses a mentor, they will submit this information to the placement office, who will verify the mentor’s credentials and approve the placement.

Lewis & Clark is committed to preparing future teachers to work in public schools. We work with 50 public school districts across Oregon and Southwest Washington, including every school district in the Portland metro area.

We seek to place students in school districts and schools that mirror our own social justice mission. We have long held and deep relationships with school districts across our region because we believe in the power of working together to bolster up our future educator workforce.

We consider many variables when determining your placement, including availability of mentors/supervisors in the field, internal district processes, and your commute time. Students will also have the opportunity to indicate their own preferences. We are committed to finding you a placement that is both supportive and challenging, so that you can grow as an educator!

All education students will complete their field experience under the supervision of a K-12 educator who is licensed and endorsed in their field. We require that mentors and supervisors have held their licenses at least three years, share the same endorsement/role as their Lewis & Clark student, and are respected leaders and mentors in their community. Mentors and supervisors work in close contact with program faculty throughout the student’s field experience. We are fortunate that many teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, and administrators are eager to support Lewis & Clark students because of the strong reputation of our programs.

Our education placement coordinator will be the primary contact for you during your placement search. The placement coordinator maintains strong relationships with area school districts and works closely with district and school staff to connect you with a strong mentor or supervisor. In addition, your faculty advisor is involved and supportive every step of the way!

During your placement, your faculty advisor, faculty clinical coordinator, and your school-based supervisor or mentor will be the team supporting you. We believe it takes a village to raise an educator, and we make sure you have a team of support throughout your placement.

Our candidates are placed throughout the greater Portland Metro Area. We invite you to explore the area to learn more about the schools and locations we serve.