Effective fall 2007, all students pursuing a teaching certification at Bloomsburg University must have documented experience working with diverse students. Field experience must be a minimum of 30 hours (student is responsible for meeting any additional requirements specific to the department), and must include exposure to all five of the following diversity requirements:

• ESL - a school district that includes an ESL population
• Exceptionalities - a school that is defined as inclusive where students have been identified as needing physical, cognitive, or emotional assistance, having a speech and/or communication disorder, or gifted/talented
• Gender - a classroom with both male and female students
• Race/Ethnicity - a classroom in which 20% or more of the students are non-white
• Socio-Economic Status - a school in which 20% or more of students are registered for free or reduced lunches

These requirements must be met prior to the student teaching placement. Failure to meet the diversity categories will mean that Bloomsburg University will not be able to recommend the student for certification in teacher education. Students should complete the Diverse Field Experiences form for each school in which they do a field experience.

While it is the student's responsibility to find placements for these experiences, a list of demographic data for schools within Pennsylvania is available in Excel format to assist students. Click here to access the Demographic Data for PA Schools. Please do not approach any schools in the Columbia/Montour areas as they are being used primarily for student teaching placements. Questions should be addressed directly to your advisor and/or department chair.

If you are interested in a school that is not included in the list, you can request the demographic information by completing and submitting the following: