For students pursuing special education or elementary certification, additional field experiences are required. We have found that these experiences can be transformative for beginning teachers.
VAST LIFE @ Penn GSE
For students seeking special education or dual certification, Vocational, Academic, Social, Transition, Life Skill, Independent, Functional Experiences (VAST LIFE) is a supervised, formally-evaluated fieldwork experience working with, planning for, and educating students with low incidence disabilities in the areas of domestic, transition, social, functional, community, and leisure skills. VAST LIFE participants are local high school students aged 14 to 19 and who qualify to take the PASA in the State of Pennsylvania. The lessons take place on Saturdays in our spring semester, and are based on theories of universal design and research-based educational practice.
Note: If you are a parent or guardian interested in applying to VAST LIFE for your child, please visit our VAST LIFE application page.
KIDS @ Penn GSE
For students in our PreK-4 certification track, the Keeping Instruction Developmentally Sound (KIDS) program is a supervised, formally evaluated fieldwork experience working with, and planning for, preschool children aged 3-4. Teachers are paired with KIDS participants to provide one-on-one support during Saturday lessons in our fall semester. Lessons are based on theories of universal design and research-based educational practice.