Early Field Experience
All teacher education candidates at the UIUC must have successfully completed 100 hours of early field experience (EFE) prior to student teaching. EFE requirements for candidates in FLTE are integrated into the FLTE curriculum and are managed and assigned by Dr.Hugh Bishop.
Before admission to field experiences, all candidates must complete:
- Fingerprint check: All candidates for public school certification in programs under the purview of the UI Council on Teacher Education (CTE) are required to submit to a criminal background check by the Illinois State Police prior to their initial field experience in the schools. Illinois school districts are required by state law to conduct criminal background investigations for applicants for certified and non-certified positions with a school district. More information regarding criminal background checks can be found in this document.
- Bloodborne Pathogen Training: Bloodborne pathogen training is required annually for every candidate during terms in which they will be engaged in field experiences. This training must be completed before admission to field experiences.