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Career & Professional Experience Services

Experience Choice Menu

What is the Experience Choice Menu?

Welcome to the Experience Choice Menu! As a future educator, you’ll need more than just coursework — you’ll need real-world experiences that spark curiosity, build professional skills, and connect you with communities. This menu gives you the chance to choose from a variety of immersive opportunities based on your interests, career goals, and availability.

Think of this menu as your passport to professional growth. Pick the experiences that excite you most, track your progress, and use them to tell your story as an educator. The more you explore, the more prepared you’ll be — not just for student teaching, but for a meaningful career that impacts students and communities.

How will this help me?

Think of this menu as more than field trips—it’s a chance to explore new paths in education. You’re not limited to your program area.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Follow your curiosity: Choose experiences that sound fun or unexpected, even outside your major. Try different age groups to see what excites you most.
Explore leadership: Join roundtables or summits that connect education with policy and community. Consider how these experiences link to global opportunities.
Network with intention: Connect with mentors, peers, and professionals. Reflect on what energized or challenged you—and where you want to go next.

How do I sign up?

Explore the Menu – Browse the questions and topics to pick experiences that match your interests (early childhood, special ed, leadership, service, etc.).
Choose Your Event(s) – Look at the dates and details in the calendar to see what fits your schedule.
Register Online – Click the “sign up” link under each event to sign up (quick form, 1–2 minutes).
Prepare & Show Up – Double-check the information on the calendar for expectations and items for preparation.
Engage & Reflect – Enjoy the experience, connect with educators, and think about how it shapes your future as a teacher.

*Calendar of events is at the bottom of this page*

Not sure which field trip to choose? Use the questions below to guide your exploration and find the best options.

What should I sign up for if I'm still exploring career options?

Arizona Education Foundation- "Exploring Education Professions"

Description: You have an exciting opportunity to shadow and engage with the Arizona Education Foundation (AEF), a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and supporting exceptional teachers and schools across the state. AEF recognizes outstanding educators through programs like the Teacher of the Year awards and A+ accolades, which honor schools that meet rigorous achievement criteria.

Intro to the school ecosystem and a variety of career options on a school campus.

Date: October 20th, 2025 8:30 a.m- 11:30 a.m

*See calendar below for more details and sign up!

What if I'm interested in gifted programs?

Herberger Young Scholars Academy (HYSA) Immersive Field Trip (Great for Freshmen and Sophomore Students)

Description: HYSA has recently partnered with us by hosting immersive field trip experiences for our freshmen and sophomores, offering them exposure to various instructional settings and innovative school models. This is truly a one-of-a-kind school, and we are incredibly fortunate to have it right on our ASU West Valley campus.

Join us for an immersive field trip to the Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy, a unique learning environment designed specifically for highly gifted middle and high school students (grades 7–12). Located on ASU’s West Valley campus, this small, innovative school offers students the opportunity to engage in hands-on, challenging academic work far beyond the traditional classroom experience.

During the visit, you’ll see how these young scholars thrive in flexible, interactive workspaces that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. You’ll witness a dynamic educational setting where students pursue their passions and push their limits in an inspiring college campus environment.

Dates: February 4th 8:30 a.m to 3 p.m; March 18 8:30 a.m to 3 p.m; April 8 8:30 a.m to 3 p.m; April 15 8:30 a.m to 3 p.m

*See calendar below for sign up and more details!

Herberger Young Scholars Academy (HYSA) Wednesday Afternoon Enrichment (recurring; host/assist)

Description: We love having community members host sessions! Typical enrichment sessions run about an hour to an hour and a half, and they’ve historically covered a range of topics, mostly driven by instructor expertise and interest. We’ve had people teach our students how to play cricket, hosted a watercolor afternoon, and host Dungeons and Dragons one-off campaigns.

*Please be aware that you will need to have a fingerprint card or check and that you will need to complete the ASU Minors on Campus online training in order to host.

Dates:

September 24
October 29
November 19
December 10
January 28
February 25
March 25
April 22

Time: Sessions run 12:10-1:35 and 1:50-3:15 but single sessions are possible too.

*See calendar below for more details and sign up!

What should I explore if I want to work with younger kids?

Sky View Elementary School - Peoria Unified School District

Description: This early childhood field experience offers students an inside look at a district-run preschool program through classroom observation and guided discussion. Participants will visit three preschool classrooms to observe developmentally appropriate practices in action, tour the Family Resource Center and Preschool Office to learn how wraparound supports serve young learners and their families, and engage in a brief presentation with the Director and a Pre-K mentor. This experience is designed to help students better understand early learning environments, instructional approaches, and the collaborative systems that support children and families in early childhood education.

Date: 10/16/2026 from 8:30 a.m to 10:30 a.m

*See calendar below for details and sign up. Spots are limited!

Are there any experiences for prospective classroom teachers?

Arizona Education Foundation- "Preparing for a Positive and Productive Student Teaching Experience"

Description: See recommendations from Teachers of the Year from their days of student teaching as well as their experience of being teacher mentors to student teachers.

Date: Februrary 6th, 2026 8:30 a.m- 11:30 a.m

*See calendar below for sign up!

ASU Preparatory Academy - Levitt Lab

Description: Come visit Levitt Lab right on ASU's Tempe campus! ASU Prep Tempe students master educational topics through blended-learning curriculum as well as take concurrent college classes to accelerate their learning and enrollment in college. Students attend on campus for in-person collaboration and coursework, Socratic-style discussions and hands-on projects that tackle real world problems. Because our school is embedded on the ASU Tempe campus, students also benefit from unique opportunities including special events, research partnerships, hands-on projects with ASU faculty, and internships that extend their learning beyond the classroom. Explore high school reimagined!

Date: Monday, February 9, 2026 8:40 a.m- Noon, Tuesday, March 31, 2026 8:40- Noon.

*See calendar below for sign up!

Global Academy of Phoenix - Alhambra Elementary School District

Description: Global Academy of Phoenix (Alhambra School District) invites ASU students to participate in an on-campus tour and presentation highlighting how a strong, values-driven school culture can transform student experience and outcomes.

Since opening in 2019, Global Academy of Phoenix, a Title I, K–8 school, has quadrupled in size, a rare achievement in Arizona at a time when many districts are experiencing enrollment declines. This growth reflects the school’s intentional focus on academic excellence, character development, and deep care for children.

Date: February 26th 7:30 a.m- 12:00 p.m

*See calendar below for sign up!

ASU Preparatory Academy- Discovery Day

Description: ASU Preparatory Academy is an innovative K-12 school network dedicated to preparing students for success in college, career, and life. As a university-partnered school, we combine rigorous academics with a personalized approach to learning, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and growth.

At ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest, we inspire the next generation of educators by showcasing dynamic teaching strategies, advanced technology integration, and a commitment to excellence in education. Join us to see how we shape the future and how you can be part of our mission to transform education!

Date: February 18th

*See calendar below for sign up!

Is there an option to help learn more about Special Education?

Arizona Education Foundation- "Exploring a Career in Special Education"

Description: Learn more of an overview of Special Education and what the different employment options are within school systems.

Date: April 6th from 8:30 am-11:30 a.m

*See calendar below for more details and sign up

Are there other ways to help children and the community?

School Connect "Love Our Schools Daily"

Description: One-day, hands-on volunteer event to improve school environments through tangible projects like painting playgrounds, revitalizing gardens, organizing classrooms, and supporting teacher needs.

Skills Gained: Leadership, teamwork, community engagement, school partnerships.

Dates: Saturdays in October (specific date varies by district).

Step Up Tutoring

Description: Step Up Tutoring is a nonprofit organization that provides free, virtual, one-on-one tutoring and mentorship to elementary students in under-resourced communities. Our mission is to close the opportunity gap by delivering high-impact tutoring that builds fundamental skills, boosts student confidence, and supports family engagement.

ASU students will have an opportunity to serve as virtual tutors and mentors to 2nd–8th grade students, meeting one-on-one with each student twice per week. Tutors will follow evidence-based lesson guides and use adaptive learning tools to support both academic growth, while also advancing social-emotional development by building relationships and creating a consistent learning experience. No prior tutoring experience required—training and curriculum provided–and all tutoring is conducted virtually using Step Up’s easy-to-use online platform.

Date: Spring Semester between 1/12/ 2026- 5/12/2026.

*Training required upon sign up. See calendar below for details and sign up!

*Information session offered Monday 1/5 from 10:00 a.m- 11:00 a.m. Link to virtual session will be provided closer to the date.

Read Better Be Better Discovery Day

Description: Learn how Read Better Be Better connects young readers with youth leaders to foster a love of literacy and learning. Your the office, attend an organizational overview and see how staff and volunteers develop reading and leadership skills through innovative programs. Participate in job shadowing, enjoy a catered lunch and networking session and receive swag bags with RBBB merchandise.

Read Better Be Better has served more than 7,500 students across Maricopa and Pinal counties, improving reading comprehension, concentration and leadership skills.

Date: November 7th

*20 person limit!

What if I want to learn about a path towards leadership?

School Connect- Cafe roundtables

Description: Facilitated roundtable events connecting principals with local leaders to co-create solutions for school challenges (e.g., attendance, parent involvement, teacher retention, career pathways).

Skills Gained: Facilitation, project planning, community outreach, nonprofit strategy.

Dates: Throughout the year (set by districts).

School Connect- Summit: Champions of Education Awards

Description: Be a part of recognition event honoring educators, schools, and organizations making exceptional contributions to Arizona youth.

Skills gained: Event management, communications, storytelling, recognition planning.

Date: 4/30

Time: TBD

*See calendar below for more details and sign up!

I'm interested in learning more about Next Education Workforce

Future Educators Immersion- Stevenson Elementary

Description: This immersive field experience offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative, team-based teaching models while engaging with future educators as they observe diverse classroom settings and interact with school leaders.

Skills gained: This immersive field experience offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative, team-based teaching models while engaging with future educators as they observe diverse classroom settings and interact with school leaders.

Date: 2/27/2026 from 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m

Immersive Tour- Kyrene de las Brisas Elementary School and Aprende Middle School Campus

Description: This immersive field experience offers a tour around the connected elementary and middle schools, an opportunity to connect with both Principals, see team-based teaching models in action while engaging with future educators. Then, break out in groups with student ambassadors and engage in a Q & A session.

Dates: 10/20- 8:30 a.m to 12:00 p.m, 1/30- 8:30 a.m to 12:00 p.m, and 2/23- 8:30 a.m to 12:00 p.m.

*See calendar to sign up!

I'm interested in volunteering at an A+ school in Arizona

Kyrene School District

Description: Kyrene School District: Kyrene had to cut librarian positions in most campuses due to declining enrollment. With that decision, they are really looking for volunteers to help supplement story time and book restocking/organization. The schools that need the most assistance at this time are, Kyrene del Cielo, Kyrene Monte Vista, and Kyrene Traditional Academy.

Next Steps: Reach out to the principal of the school of interest to plan!

Kyrene del Cielo- Principal Kristen Kingsland kkingsland@kyrene.org

Kyrene Monte Vista- Principal Teresa Strickling tstrickling@kyrene.org

Kyrene Traditional Academy- Principal Dr. Marianne Lescher mlesch@kyrene.org

Madison Elementary School District

Description: Madison Elementary School District: Multiple schools have expressed interest in having volunteers assist with classroom and admin support. The best contact is Liz Hernandez who serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for the District. Reach out to Liz at volunteers@madisoned.org for next steps and let them know that you're with ASU and that AEF referred you!

Mercury Mine Elementary School

Description: Currently looking for support for classrooms and lunch/recess.

Next Steps: Apply to be a District Approved Volunteer here!

Point of contact: Principal Stephanie Taueki staueki@pvschools.net

Biltmore Preparatory Academy

Description: Need for aids and assistance in classrooms.

Next Steps: Fill out this volunteer application! Volunteer Application

Deer Valley School District

Description: Diamond Canyon School: similar to above-need help in classrooms and would love to host students.

Next Steps: Deer Valley requires volunteers to attend a Training where they’ll complete their application and onboarding.

I'm interested in Applied Behavioral Analysis opportunities in Arizona

Action Behavior Center Virtual Take Over Day! (Applied Behavioral Analysis focus)

Description: Join Action Behavior Centers for a Virtual Takeover Day to explore careers in applied behavior analysis and related fields. This event will feature a brief information session, a panel of professionals sharing their career paths and experiences, and interactive breakout sessions where you can ask questions, learn about roles, and connect directly with the team.

Date and time: March 25th, 2026 from 11 a.m- 2:00 p.m

Skills gained: Interact with a talented and committed team strives to help your child reach their highest potential.

Next steps: See the calendar below for sign up!

I'm interested in opportunities outside the state of Arizona

Title:

Description:

Skills gained:

Dates: March 25th, 2026

Next Steps:

Calendar: Select the field trip option to view details and sign up!

Note: Dates and locations are still being finalized. If you don’t see a specific logistical detail, please check back closer to the experience date for updates.

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