Field Experience Program Overview | 51品茶约炮 Baptist University

Field Experience Requirements

Last Updated: February 20, 2026

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All candidates enrolled in educator preparation programs (EPPs) in the School of Education must complete field experience hours in accordance with the rules of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 228. Field experience requirements vary by program pathway and are outlined below.

Traditional Undergraduate
Graduate-Level Certification
Alternative Certification (ACP)
Documentation & Compliance

TAC references: 19 TAC §228.35(a) (pre-clinical field experience), 19 TAC §228.35(b) (clinical teaching), 19 TAC §228.35(e) (internship).

Traditional Undergraduate Certification Programs

Pre-Clinical: 50 hours
In-person PK–12: 25+ hours
Clinical Teaching: 490 hours

Pre-Clinical Field Experience (50 Hours)

Candidates must complete a minimum of 50 clock hours of field experience prior to clinical teaching in accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(a).
Field experience hours must be completed after formal admission into the Educator Preparation Program.
Field experience hours completed prior to EPP admission do not count toward certification requirements.

How the 50 Hours Break Down

At least 25 clock hours must be completed in person on an approved PK–12 campus in an authentic classroom setting aligned with the candidate’s certification area.
Up to 25 clock hours may be completed through other approved field-based experiences that support candidate preparation and align with program requirements.
Field experiences include structured observation, instructional participation, and guided reflection activities.

Other Approved Field-Based Experiences (Up to 25 Hours)

Virtual classroom observations or synchronous instructional activities
TEA-approved simulations or case-based instructional activities
Other program-approved activities aligned with the candidate’s certification area

Clinical Teaching

Undergraduate candidates complete clinical teaching totaling a minimum of 490 clock hours in accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(b).
Clinical teaching requires full-day participation on an approved PK–12 campus and ongoing supervision by a qualified field supervisor.

Graduate-Level Certification Programs (Post-Baccalaureate / Master’s)

Pre-Clinical: 50 hours
In-person PK–12: 25+ hours
Clinical Teaching: 490 hours (or Internship)

Pre-Clinical Field Experience (50 Hours)

Graduate certification candidates must complete 50 clock hours of pre-clinical field experience after admission into the Educator Preparation Program, as required by 19 TAC §228.35(a).
Field experience hours completed prior to EPP admission or outside approved coursework may not be applied.

How the 50 Hours Break Down

Minimum 25 clock hours in person in approved PK–12 classroom settings aligned with the candidate’s certification area.
Up to 25 clock hours may be completed through other approved field-based experiences embedded within graduate coursework.

Other Approved Field-Based Experiences (Up to 25 Hours)

Virtual observations of PK–12 instruction
TEA-approved simulations or case-based learning experiences
Other program-approved field-based activities aligned with certification requirements

Clinical Teaching or Internship

Graduate candidates complete either:

Clinical teaching (490 clock hours) in accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(b), or
An internship in accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(e), based on program eligibility and employment status.

Alternative Certification Program (ACP)

Pre-Internship: 50 hours
In-person PK–12: 25+ hours
Internship per 19 TAC §228.35(e)

Pre-Internship Field Experience (50 Hours)

ACP candidates must complete 50 clock hours of field experience prior to internship eligibility, in accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(a).
Field experience hours must be completed after formal admission into the ACP.
Field experience hours completed prior to ACP admission do not count toward program requirements.

How the 50 Hours Break Down

At least 25 clock hours must be completed in person on an approved PK–12 campus in classrooms aligned with the certification area.
Up to 25 clock hours may be completed through other approved field-based experiences as determined by the program.

Other Approved Field-Based Experiences (Up to 25 Hours)

Virtual classroom observations
TEA-approved simulations or case-based experiences
Other program-approved activities aligned with certification requirements

Internship

ACP candidates complete certification through an internship as defined in 19 TAC §228.35(e).
Internship candidates serve as the teacher of record under an appropriate certificate and receive ongoing supervision and evaluation.

Documentation and Compliance (All Pathways)

All field experience hours must be accurately documented, clearly identifying in-person and other approved field-based experiences.
Hours must be verified by cooperating teachers and/or field supervisors in accordance with School of Education procedures.
Failure to complete or document required hours may delay placement, program completion, or recommendation for certification.
The School of Education reserves the right to revise field experience requirements to remain compliant with TEA regulations, TAC updates, and accreditation standards.