Become a Field Educator!

 A field educator is important to consider the pros and cons. Foremost is the time commitment. Working with a student requires time to supervise, consult, assess work skills, and provide feedback. Agency support is also key to taking on a student. Your organization needs to be willing to provide space and equipment, access to records, and other necessities for a social work student over a period of time, including your own time. Furthermore, students are developing their professional skills, and there is always the possibility of making mistakes or a lack of professionalism, which may be time intensive to correct.

Steps to Becoming a Field Instructor:  • Field instructor: One of the most vital roles in a student's education, this person holds the responsibility for guiding students' learning throughout their practicum. Field instructors are typically employed by the agency, which lends to frequent contact with students. • Task supervisor: A task supervisor may have a social work degree or a closely related human services background that enhances students' educational experiences in the agency. • Faculty liaison: A faculty liaison, who typically meets with the field instructor and student, is a source of support throughout the internship. • Field coordinator/director:( additional support) They are often the ones coordinating internships and overseeing the field program and student placements. All of these positions are designed so that field programs have levels of support available to field instructors and students to answer questions, address concerns, and brainstorm solutions as challenges and opportunities arise.