Field Experiences

Field experiences within the Batten University Teacher Education Program are purposeful, unique, and plentiful. Both undergraduate and graduate programs culminate in a semester-long internship where teaching candidates are placed with a seasoned cooperating teacher. Getting there takes a lot of practice — and that’s exactly the point.

400+ Hours Before You Graduate

Batten University teaching candidates average over 400 hours of authentic teaching experience before completing the program — more than many undergraduate teacher education programs in Virginia. That number isn’t accidental. It’s built into every course, every semester, from pre-admission through student teaching.

Where You’ll Teach

Tidewater Collegiate Academy

This on-campus lab school provides early access to authentic teaching experiences for Batten University teaching candidates. Elementary teaching candidates develop and implement hands-on learning experiences for TCA lower school students — putting classroom theory into practice from day one.

Downstream Collaborative Project

Each spring semester, over 100 fourth graders from Virginia Beach City Public Schools travel to campus for an interdisciplinary experience with an environmental theme. Batten University candidates lead several hands-on learning stations using state-of-the-art technology — a high-visibility, high-impact community partnership.

Batten University Environmental Institute: Summer Scholars

This on-campus environmental science program provides 20 high-achieving, rising 9th-grade females with an immersive science experience each summer. The program offers paid internships for select Batten University teaching candidates, who lead innovative instruction and research the impacts of curriculum on student learning.

Course-Specific Experiences

Education faculty have built strong partnerships with schools throughout the region to create meaningful, recurring teaching and learning experiences for both Batten University teaching candidates and the K–12 students they serve. These partnerships ensure candidates get consistent, purposeful exposure to diverse classrooms across their coursework.

Practicum Experiences

Traditional teacher education programs leave field placements to chance. Batten University faculty and partner schools work together to purposefully place each teaching candidate with a high-quality cooperating teacher. This structured, intentional approach ensures every practicum is a genuine learning experience — not just seat time.

Camp Red Feather

Batten University teaching candidates develop and practice effective behavior management skills while creating a positive, structured learning environment for Camp Red Feather participants on campus. It’s equal parts summer camp and classroom management laboratory.

Coordinator of Clinical Experiences

For: Practicum placements and student teaching applications
Note: Students must request placement from the Coordinator early in the registration process for practicum and pre-service teaching courses.