Skip to main content
Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of History
Visit WVU Request Info Apply Now

Student Teaching and Field Placements

Apply your content knowledge and pedagogical skills through experiences in the secondary school classroom

The WVU Social Studies Secondary Education BA program prepares future educators with a comprehensive blend of classroom experience and academic rigor. 

Designed to integrate content knowledge with effective teaching practices, the program provides over 1,000 hours of hands-on fieldwork and student teaching. Partnering with exemplary local public schools, WVU ensures students gain real-world experience in diverse educational settings, building the skills and confidence necessary for a successful career in education.

What We Offer

  • Extensive In-Classroom Experience: Over 1,000 hours of fieldwork and student teaching, bridging theory with practice.
  • High-Quality Field Placements: Collaborations with outstanding local public schools provide exposure to diverse instructional strategies and classroom environments.
  • Rigorous Academic and Professional Standards: Selective admission and retention criteria ensure high academic and professional expectations.

How WVU Stands Out

  • Immersive, Real-World Preparation: WVU’s deep commitment to hands-on experience exceeds that of many comparable programs.
  • Personalized Mentorship: University faculty and experienced public school educators guide students through structured placements, from early observations to a full-time internship.
  • Career-Ready Graduates: Performance benchmarks aligned with effective teaching practices ensure candidates are well-prepared for licensure and success as educators.
With its comprehensive approach to teacher education, WVU equips students not only to meet the challenges of today’s classrooms but to thrive as leaders in social studies education.

Female with long curly hair holds a salt dough map on cardboard in one hand gives a thumbs up with the other hand.

Student Teaching Spotlight:
Kenna Katarski

BA in Social Studies/Secondary Education, Class of 2026

Ms. Katarski recently guided students through Ancient China by helping them create detailed Salt Dough Maps, a hands-on project designed to explore the physical, environmental, and human geography that shaped this fascinating civilization. From the towering Himalayas and the vast Gobi Desert to the crucial rivers that enabled trade and agriculture, students had the chance to sculpt and understand how these features influenced Ancient Chinese society. 

This creative approach allowed students to visualize and physically engage with the geographic challenges and resources that influenced the region’s culture, economy, and history. Ms. Katarski’s passion for history and innovative teaching methods are making a big impact on East Fairmont's young learners. 

View More Student Spotlights