Diversity

All candidates in the teacher education program at Central Michigan University are expected to participate in learning situations and field experiences representing a wide range of diverse settings. In order to be recommended for certification, each candidate must complete their field experiences in such a way as to ensure that all the categories listed below are met. Documentation for each of the field experience criteria should be placed in the Teacher Education Candidate Portfolio. This information will be reviewed at the time of Student Teaching assignment for placement purposes. Professional Education courses within the teacher preparation program will prepare students for dealing effectively with the various field placement types identified below, as well as with other important aspects of diversity such as family structure.

Categories:

  • Race/Ethnicity - Candidates will participate in a classroom setting for a minimum of 30 hours with 20% or more non-white students as the basic classroom population. 
  • Socio-economic Status - Candidates will participate in a field experience for a minimum of 30 hours in a school that has a minimum of 20% of students registered for free/reduced lunch.
  • Gender - Candidates are expected to participate in a classroom setting for a minimum of 30 hours where both male and female students are learners.
  • Exceptionalities - Candidates will complete a field experience in a classroom for a minimum of 30 hours that is defined as inclusive.  The classroom will included students identified as having a physical, mental, or emotional exceptionality, a speech/communication disorder, or as gifted or talented.
  • ESL - Candidates will complete at least one field experience for a minimum of 30 hours in a district that includes an ESL student population.
  • School Setting - Candidates will complete at least one field experience for a minimum of 30 hours in each of the two school settings of Category 1 (non-urban) and Category 2 (urban).