Early Field Work with Community Agencies

Our Teacher Education programs, as well as the innovative Bachelor of Educational Studies program, offer students meaningful field experience, utilizing the partnerships that UMSL has formed with various community agencies throughout the St. Louis area. Working professionally in a community agency setting benefits future educators in two important ways:

• Introduces educator candidates to a variety of options for education careers, providing broader professional choice and greater opportunity.
• Supports coursework with meaningful practice that engages educator candidates, enhances their relationship-building abilities, and develops their understanding of family/community dynamics and interactions.  

Community agencies can impact educator preparation by:

• Providing formal and informal educational opportunities for educator candidates.
• Defining community assets and challenges.
• Leveraging cultural knowledge and community expertise.
• Sharing expertise with school and university faculty members to contribute solutions.
• Connecting key community collaborators, such as school and university members.
• Influencing policy in support of renewed PK-20 learning systems.

Important Dates

See dates for community agency-related deadlines and events.

Community Agency Partners

View a comprehensive list of agencies that partner with the UMSL COE and make a positive impact in the St. Louis community.

Required Background Checks and Clearance

Find out more information on clearance requirements.

Current, official clearance is required for those who work with youth and the policy will be strictly enforced.