The LSEE program offers four professional fieldwork opportunities for its students. This relevant and valuable experience working with elementary age children gives LSEE students the much needed in-classroom experience to assist them in becoming excellent educators.

HSU’s fieldwork program is unique from other programs for two main reasons. First, it is one of the first fieldwork experience programs in the country that allows for a deep connection between teacher preparation courses at the university and what is being taught in the schools. For example, in LSEE 311, fieldwork in Mathematics, HSU students will be taking Math 308B, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, while viewing mathematics instruction in the schools. Additionally, the fieldwork seminar will further connect what is being taught with valuable discussions and an integration of the California Content Standards for Mathematics. Second, HSU’s field work opportunities are unique because Humboldt County schools offer future teachers the opportunity to be in classrooms with students from both diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. These schools are populated with children from many backgrounds including various American Indian tribes, Hmong, and Latino.

In these sequenced fieldwork and seminar experiences, students will be learning essential observation techniques as well as having hands-on experiences working with children. These classes will facilitate LSEE graduates in becoming successful educators in today’s educational environment.

EED 210/310 requires the LSEE student to spend 45 hours in a classroom (the minimum requirement for a teaching credential program). Here, the LSEE student will gain a holistic view of how the elementary school works and will begin to develop specific observation skills. It is recommended this class be taken along with EDUC 110, Introduction to Education which is a lecture/discussion class that focuses on current educational issues in California and the world.

LSEE 311 is a fieldwork and seminar course that emphasizes Mathematics. While enrolled in this course, LSEE students will observe and participate in the mathematics instruction in the schools at the same time they are taking Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers. Co or prerequisites are Math 308B or Math 308C or both. Total fieldwork hours=22 hours.

LSEE 312 is a fieldwork and seminar course with a focus on Science and Social Studies Education. In this class, students will observe and participate in Science and Social studies instruction in the local elementary schools. The associated seminar will connect to these subjects in a variety of ways including discussion of fieldwork and state frameworks, an integration of literacy learning, multicultural education, and scientific inquiry. Co or Prerequisite SCI 331 or 431, GEOG 470, and HIST 311. Total Fieldwork hours=12 hours.

LSEE 411 is a fieldwork and seminar course for English/Language Arts instruction. It must be taken the final semester before graduation. Co or Prerequisites are ENG 326, ENG 424, ENG 323.