An essential element of social work education is applied learning and demonstration of competence in practice. Field education is widely considered to be the “signature pedagogy” for the profession of social work.

Our field education program is designed to extend and integrate learning achieved in class with practice in the field of social work. Through field education, students have an opportunity to employ social work interventions and ethical decision-making processes with different client populations at multiple levels. 

Students work with established social workers in partner agencies across Iowa and in neighboring states, giving them access to diverse and meaningful practice experiences under the mentorship and supervision of experienced professionals.

Proactive and honest communication between student and field instructor is key; if a student has questions or concerns about completing their placement due to COVID-19 or other situations, they should speak to their field instructor and/or task supervisor to be clear on their options and expectations.

Your field coordinator can help you think about creative solutions as a group, and your field administrator is available to answer questions and clarify University, School of Social Work, and Council of Social Work Education policies.