FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I apply for a Field Placement assignment?

A: You must follow the process outlined in the Field Observation Student Guide, and a) submit a placement request form with your student teacher badge to obtain placement in a SDPBC public school OR b) follow the location requirements of selected locations (Private, Charter or Other County - Broward, Hendry, etc.) listed on Other Field Observation Opportunities.

Q: How do I know when I have security clearance to be placed at a public school?

A: Your Student Teacher Security Badge will be mailed to you in an envelope that you will fill-out at the time of the fingerprinting and background check. To save time, you may also ask for the Fingerprinting and Badge office to call you when they receive your badge.

Q: Once I have my Student Teacher badge, how do I secure my Palm Beach County public school classroom assignment?

A: You must complete an online placement form and submit it along with a copy of your Student Teacher badge.  Academic Services submits your request to the School District Pre-Service Placement Office.  They in turn, notify Academic Services of your school assignment.  Academic Services then notifies you through your PBSC email address of this assignment and outlines the next steps to take in order to secure a classroom assignment. 

Q: Once I am notified of my field observation assignment, what should I do?

A: Make contact with the ESP Contact (assistant principal) indicated in your notification email within a day or two.  They have been notified of your assignment and are waiting to match you up with a classroom teacher.  Email the contact and follow-up with a phone call.  If you do not hear from them in a day or two, go to the school and make an appointment to meet with the contact (generally, it is an assistant principal of the school.) You will need to fill out and sign the documents in the Pre-Service Program Packet which you will take to the school you were assigned for placement. When you arrive at the school, you will need to sign-in and then sign-out when you leave.  Schools run on a very tight schedule and so do teachers and administrators. Respect their rules.

Q: What if I am unable to keep a scheduled appointment?

A: You should always call the school and let the assistant principal contact know or leave a message for the teacher. Remember if you make a good impression, that school may be your next employer.

Q: Do I have to adhere to the school's dress code when reporting for Field observation at the schools.

A. Most definitely yes! You want to project yourself as a professional so dress appropriately. Leave the jeans, sweat pants, leggings (unless worn with a long shirt or tunic), baggy pants, pants that hang low revealing underwear, shorts, sleeveless shirts, halters, crop tops, t-shirts, sandals, flip flops and any flashy jewelry at home. Also, any attire that distracts from the classroom environment.