Securing a Clinical Placement Site: A Candidate Guide

Finding the right school for your Clinical Practice is one of the most important steps in your Moreland University program. This guide walks you through the process — whether you're already working in a school or starting from scratch with no school connections.

First: Know What Counts as a Valid Placement Site

Before you begin your search, make sure your school will be approved. Most schools qualify, but some do not.

Approved placement sites include:

• Preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools

• Public, private, charter, international, or alternative schools

• Virtual schools or hybrid learning environments

• Language centers (for ESL/EFL candidates) or special education schools/centers (for SpEd candidates)

Sites that do NOT qualify:

• Homeschooling your own children, relatives, or neighbors

• Private or group tutoring (in-person or virtual)

• After-school private programs or centers

For more detail, refer to the Field Experience & Clinical Practice Handbook, page 4.

Path A: If You Already Work in a School

Step 1: Confirm Your School Qualifies

Use the approved/not approved list above to verify your current school meets placement requirements. If it does, you're already ahead.

Step 2: Identify Your Role

• Full-time teacher: You can use your own classroom for Clinical Practice.

• Teacher assistant or co-teacher: Yes, this qualifies — you just need to work consistently with one classroom and group of students throughout the full 12 weeks. Your classroom colleague could also serve as your mentor teacher.

• Substitute teacher: This can qualify too, but you must commit to one classroom and one consistent group of students for the entire 12-week period. Start identifying which classroom or group of students would be the best fit.

Step 3: Have a Conversation with Your Supervisor

Once you've identified your classroom and potential mentor, approach your school supervisor (Principal, Assistant Principal, Head of School, or HR/District representative) to discuss completing your Clinical Practice at that school. This conversation kicks off the formal approval process.

Path B: If You Have No School Affiliation

Step 1: Determine Your Search Area

Start by deciding how far you're willing to travel. Consider your transportation options and the maximum distance that's realistic for you. This will narrow your search to a manageable set of nearby schools.

Step 2: Research 3–5 Potential Schools

Use Google or any search engine to find schools in your area that match your certification level. Search using language like: "[City, State] Elementary 1–6 Schools or Programs"

Build a shortlist of 3–5 schools you'd like to pursue. If you're an international candidate, search for International Schools in your area — many follow the US school calendar.

For each school, record the following:

Step 3: Find the Right Contact at Each School

Visit each school's website to identify an administrator who can approve student teaching placements. Look in sections like:

• "Meet Our Faculty"

• "Contact Us"

• "Principal's or Head of School Message"

• "Meet Our Administration or School Leaders"

You're looking for someone in a supervisor role — Head of School, Principal, Assistant Principal, or an HR/District representative.

Step 4: Reach Out with a Professional Introduction Email

You are responsible for making the first contact. Write a professional email that introduces yourself and explains your interest in completing your Clinical Practice at their school.

• Ask your Program Advisor for the School Initiation Email Suggested Tips to help you structure your message.

• Request a Candidate Introduction Letter from your Program Advisor — you can attach it to your email or bring it if you visit in person.

Step 5: Direct School Questions to the Clinical Team

If a school contact has questions about the program or wants to learn more about Clinical Practice, direct them to Moreland's Clinical Team: clinical@moreland.edu

The Clinical Team will connect them with the right person to address their questions.

Step 6: If Schools on Your List Aren't Available

Don't panic if your initial contacts don't work out. Your Program Advisor will support you through this process at every stage. If needed, they will connect you with the Clinical Placement Coordinator and Academic Development Specialist on the Clinical Team for additional assistance.

Quick Reference: Who to Contact

Remember: securing your placement is your responsibility, but you have a full support team behind you. Start early and don't hesitate to ask for help. 

Questions? Contact the Moreland Clinical Team at clinical@moreland.edu or reach out to your Program Advisor.