Field-Based Experience
All candidates participating in an alternative certification program within Texas are mandated to fulfill 50 hours of Field-Based Experiences (FBE) as outlined in the Texas Administrative Code. These FBEs constitute introductory experiences for candidates, involving interactive and reflective observations of certified teachers in the classroom.
State Requirement
Candidates enrolled in a Texas alternative certification program must complete 50 hours of Field-Based Experiences (FBE) before starting their internships, clinical experiences or residences, as required by the Texas Administrative Code. These FBEs provide candidates with foundational experiences, where they engage in reflective and interactive observations of certified teachers within classroom settings.
Field-Based Experiences serve as initial preparation for classroom teaching certification, integrated with coursework, and include reflective observations and interactions with Early Childhood through Grade 12 students, teachers, and school staff in authentic educational settings.
At least 25 of these clock-hours must involve the candidate actively participating in instructional or educational activities under the EPP’s guidance.
TAC RULE §228.43
Pre-Service Field-Based Experiences for Classroom Teacher Candidates
Criteria for FBE
FBEs must take place in settings that meet the following criteria:
- Authentic school environments within public schools accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or other TEA-approved schools, including all Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools and Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) accredited schools.
- Instruction led by certified teachers in the content area.
- Classrooms with actual students, ensuring secure identity verification.
- Classrooms or instructional settings aligned with specific content areas or grade levels.
Candidates may complete up to 25 clock-hours of FBE through electronic means, including video or other technology-based options. These hours may include service as a teacher of record, educational aide, or substitute teacher and must be conducted under the EPP’s direction.
Independent vs Facilitated FBE
Independent Field-Based Experience
The Independent Field-Based Experience is available across all program learning formats: Structured In-Person, Live Online, and Hybrid. This flexible option enables candidates to complete field-based requirements at their own pace and on a schedule that suits them, at a campus of their choice. Candidates are responsible for coordinating with districts to arrange these experiences themselves. Using the Region 13 ECP Field Experience Handbook, candidates engage with certified teachers, interact with students, and reflect on their observations.
Facilitated Field-Based Experience
This option is available only to our Structured In-Person cohort and is ideal for candidates with little to no prior school experience. During the Facilitated Field-Based Experience, you dedicate two weeks to immersive classroom engagement. Region 13 ECP places candidates in the classroom of a certified teacher aligned with their certification area and provides structured activities for observing instruction, engaging with students, and teaching mini-lessons. This allows candidates to understand the roles and responsibilities of educators and apply concepts learned in their coursework.
