This page is designed to help students navigate every step of their professional field experience(s). It includes information about placement types, eligibility criteria, and the placement process. Students can also access resources like informational videos, job-embedded information, and the progression of responsibilities to better understand what to expect during their field experiences. This page serves as a central hub to guide you from preparing for placement to completing it successfully.
Throughout your program, you’ll complete a series of professional field experiences designed to build your skills and confidence in real-world settings. There are two main types of placements: internships and student teaching. Watch the video to learn more about each placement type.
You can also explore additional information below, including placement criteria by program and the progression of responsibilities.
The placement criteria charts outline the specific requirements for each professional field experience. These charts show details like required hours, classroom type, grade range, mentor qualifications, and the related course title.
The progression of responsibilities chart serves as a guide, outlining what mentors and students should be doing at different points in the placement. It shows how teaching responsibilities increase over time, based on weeks or hours.
A job-embedded experience lets aspiring teachers learn by doing—gaining hands-on skills while working directly in a classroom. You’ll collaborate with experienced educators, apply what you’re learning in real time, and build the confidence needed for your own teaching career. Watch the video to learn more about job-embedded placements.
You can also explore the sections below for details on the job-embedded process, certificate options, and ASU cohort opportunities.
Students completing placements within Maricopa County must submit their Placement Request Form (PRF) and enroll in their professional field experience course before their respective deadline. Once both steps are complete, the Career and Professional Experience Services (CAPES) team will coordinate your placement within one of our SUN Partners. Your Placement Coordinator will match you to a school and mentor that aligns with your program requirements and notify you once your placement is confirmed, along with any next steps or onboarding instructions.
*Please note: If you are pursuing a job-embedded position, it does not need to be within a SUN Partner district, as job-embedded placements follow a separate approval process.
Avondale Elementary School District
ASU Preparatory Academy
Chandler Unified School District
Creighton School District
Deer Valley Unified School District
Kyrene School District
Madison Elementary School District
Mesa Public Schools
Pendergast Elementary School District
Peoria Unified School District
Scottsdale Unified School District
Tempe Elementary School District
Tempe Union High School District
Tolleson Union High School District
Students completing placements outside of Maricopa County must submit their Placement Request Form (PRF) and enroll in their professional field experience course before their respective deadline. Students are responsible for initiating their own placement with a school or district that aligns with their program requirements. Once a site and mentor are identified, the Career and Professional Experience Services (CAPES) team will review the placement details to ensure eligibility and finalize approval. You’ll receive confirmation and next steps once your placement has been approved by the CAPES team.
Sonia is MLFC's Placement Management Software; it includes all the information about your Professional Experience placements. Through SONIA, you will be able to see all details of your current placement, including district, school site, mentor, and grade level
As future educators and professionals, it is important that you make sure to check Sonia regularly for any new forms or updates about your placement.