Teacher in front of bulletin boards in classroom

Field Experience and Student Teaching

UMF Field Services Program

At the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), you’ll step into real classrooms early and often. Through our Field Services program, you’ll gain meaningful, hands-on teaching experience—from your first practicum to your capstone student teaching placement. Along the way, you’ll build the skills, confidence, and perspective to lead your own classroom.

Our location in Farmington puts you at the heart of a vibrant educational community. You can walk to local elementary and middle schools, access nearby Mt. Blue Regional High School and Foster Career & Technical Center, and gain experience at our on-campus early childhood center. You’ll also have access to a wealth of resources to help you prepare, practice, and excel.

At UMF, you don’t just learn about teaching—you become a teacher.

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Step Into the Classroom

From day one, your learning comes alive working directly with students in schools and early childhood settings.

Practicum

In your sophomore year, you’ll take your first major step into the classroom through a practicum experience, where coursework meets real-world application. You’ll:
  • Work directly in public school or early childhood settings
  • Apply teaching methods learned in class
  • Support student learning alongside experienced educators
  • Begin developing your teaching style and classroom presence
Practicum gives you the opportunity to explore your interests, gain confidence, and start thinking like a professional educator.
Teacher in front of students at front of class

Student Teaching

Students consistently describe student teaching as the most meaningful part of their UMF experience. This 15-week immersive placement is your senior capstone, where you step fully into the role of a professional educator. You’ll work in a public school or early childhood setting, guided by both UMF faculty and a mentor teacher in the field. During this experience, you’ll:
  • Plan and deliver lessons
  • Lead classroom instruction
  • Assess student learning
  • Collaborate with educators and school communities
View the Student Teaching Handbook for more in-depth information.

Your Final Step

As you complete your student teaching, you’ll bring everything together in a professional portfolio and presentation that reflects your growth and readiness to lead your own classroom. You’ll share your work with faculty, peers, and the broader community.

Your journey culminates that same day in the UMF pinning ceremony—a meaningful tradition that marks your transition from student to teacher, where you’re recognized and pinned by someone who supported you along the way.

Expand Your Horizons: Student Teaching Away at UMF

At the UMF, education majors have the unique opportunity to also complete their student teaching outside of Maine through the Student Teaching Away program. Whether it’s teaching in urban schools across the country or gaining cross-cultural experience in places like Alaska or international settings, this program allows future educators to broaden their perspectives and strengthen their teaching skills in diverse environments. With major costs like housing often covered, you’ll gain real-world experience, broaden your perspective, and graduate ready to teach anywhere.

 

Contact the Field Services Office

Field Services Office
University of Maine at Farmington
186 High Street
Farmington, Maine 04938
tel  207-778-7171
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Noel Wilson
Noel Wilson

Director of Field Services

About Noel
Kristin Hickey
Kristin Hickey

Administrative Specialist CL3

About Kristin

Mentor & Field Supervisor Resources

UMF provides a range of resources to support mentors and supervisors who play vital roles in teacher preparation and student success. These materials offer guidance, tools, and best practices to help educators foster effective teaching, professional collaboration, and positive learning environments.