Clinical Experiences

(1) Each EPP shall provide candidates with clinical experiences. EPPs shall design these experiences to provide candidates with opportunities to build and demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge. These experiences EDUCATOR PREPARATION CHAPTER 0520-02-04 shall reflect the breadth of the grade span and the depth of the content reflected by the specialty area(s) in which the candidate is being prepared. (2) Each candidate shall complete field experiences and at least one (1) clinical practice in order to successfully complete an educator preparation program. (3) EPPs shall ensure candidates complete a clinical practice in the appropriate licensure and endorsement area. (4) Field experiences shall provide early and ongoing practice opportunities to apply content and pedagogical knowledge in settings reflective of the specialty area(s) in which the candidate is being prepared. (5) EPPs shall develop requirements for completion of clinical practice and outline the causes and procedures by which the clinical practice can be terminated. Candidates who do not successfully complete clinical practice shall not be recommended for licensure. (6) Prior to participating in a clinical practice, post-baccalaureate program candidates shall receive training on the professional education standards. (7) Clinical practice sites may include Tennessee public schools, including public charter schools and Tennessee state special schools, or Category 1, 2, or 3 non-public schools. Category 4 and 5 schools shall not be used as placement sites. These categories are defined in State Board Rule 0520-07-02. If extraordinary circumstances arise that prevent a candidate from completing the clinical experience in Tennessee, the EPP may request permission for the candidate to complete the clinical practice in another state. Information of candidates who complete the clinical practice outside of Tennessee shall be included as part of the comprehensive review process. (8) EPPs shall ensure all candidates participating in a clinical practice have a school-based clinical mentor. (9) Educators who serve as a school-based clinical mentor in a public school setting shall, at a minimum: (a) Hold an active Tennessee license with an endorsement in the area or a closely related area where they will be supervising the candidate; (b) Have a level of overall effectiveness of above expectations or significantly above expectations for the prior school year; and (c) Have a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a teacher, school services personnel, or instructional leader, as applicable. (10) Clinical mentors shall be selected jointly by the EPP and the partner LEA and/or CMO. (11) Clinical mentors shall, in cooperation with the EPP clinical supervisor, direct the activities of the candidate in the classroom. (12) EPPs shall coordinate with LEAs and/or CMOs to ensure clinical mentors are provided release time for counseling, observation, evaluation, or other activities related to the clinical practice that occur during the school day. (13) Beginning on July 1, 2026, clinical mentors and supervisors shall formally observe candidates a minimum of four (4) times during clinical practice, as defined in Educator Preparation Policy 5.504. Mentors and supervisors shall use an observation tool selected by the EPP and EDUCATOR PREPARATION CHAPTER 0520-02-04 approved for use in the Educator Evaluation Policy 5.201. If the EPP does not select an observation tool approved for use in the Educator Evaluation Policy 5.201, the observation tool shall be reviewed and approved for use by the Department.