Clinical Experience in Puerto Rico

Eligibility

• Available to students in the following certification programs:
  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Library Science
  • Art Education
  • Music Education

Semester

• Available for the second half only of either the fall or spring semester

Placements

• Placements in Puerto Rico will depend on certification areas and availability of school personnel
• Placements will complement the Teacher Candidate's first experience in Pennsylvania

Supervision

• Supervision will be conducted by Kutztown University supervisors

Schedule

• Begins on the Saturday after the first assignment ends
• Flights depart from Newark NJ or Philadelphia and arrive in Aguadilla.

Evaluation

• The Clinical Experience Evaluation (PDE 430) will be used for all teacher candidates in Puerto Rico
• The cooperating teacher and the college supervisor will submit final evaluations

Application & Screening Procedures

• Interested students must attend a scheduled meeting to receive an Application Packet
• The Application Form and three (3) Faculty Recommendations must be completed by the designated date
• Based on the Application materials submitted, selected students will be invited for interviews conducted by faculty
• Three to six students will be invited to participate in the Clinical Experience in Puerto Rico Program
• If approved, the students are required to:
  • Have a satisfactory rating from their cooperating teacher and section coordinator in the professional semester and/or early field experience
• • Have a successful first placement evaluation for Clinical Experience
• Secure a passport
• Provide proof of health insurance
• Provide proof of liability insurance
• Provide clear background checks
• Provide an official transcript

Estimated Costs for Clinical Experience in Puerto Rico

• Airfare @ $ 300.00 to 500.00
• Tuition - Paid to Kutztown University
• Room @ $ 1500.00   (subject to change)
• Personal Expenses @ $ 1,600.00  (on your own)
  
  • Food
  • Side Trips
  • Entertainment

Registration

• Students who are accepted for this program register for all credits of Clinical Experience at Kutztown University, the second half of which will be completed in Puerto Rico
• You will register for Clinical Experience as per your designated major

Payment of Tuition Fees

• Tuition fees for Clinical Experience credits must be paid to KU by the established due date

Room and Board

• Students will be housed in furnished guest housing at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, Borinquen, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
• The use of Coast Guard facilities (i.e. library, computer center, gym, etc.) will be available

Airfare and Travel

• Students arrive in Puerto Rico on a specified day and at a specified time to facilitate ground transportation
  • Upon arrival in Puerto Rico, you will be met as a group at the airport and transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station housing
  • Berkleigh Travel Agency, Kutztown PA, will secure round trip airline tickets to Puerto Rico arriving at and departing from Aguadilla

Insurance

• Professional liability and medical insurance coverage must be valid during the entire clinical experience
• Students must have medical coverage that will pay expenses while in Puerto Rico should the need arise

Orientation Sessions

• Upon selection, the student must attend an orientation session conducted by the Office of Clinical Experience to prepare for this experience
• The student will be expected to be somewhat knowledgeable about Puerto Rico and the Department of Defense Schools

Exit Survey

• All students must attend an exit interview about their experience upon return
• Exit interviews will be conducted the day before graduation

Please visit the Ramey website to learn more about the school: www.dodea.edu/Ramey