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Field Instructors

Field education is a critical part of Penn’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) defines field education as its signature pedagogy. The intent of field education is to connect the theoretical and conceptual contribution of the classroom with the practical work of an agency setting. Field education is systematically designed, supervised, and evaluated based on criteria developed in accordance with CSWE education standards. Field placements are determined based on academic expectation, the students’ educational needs and objectives, and agency opportunities.

Selection of Field Instructors

Field instruction can be a very exciting, challenging, and demanding activity. In most instances, assuming responsibility for students’ supervision is an addition to one’s on-going duties. Although many other persons in the field practice agency will be called upon to provide educational experiences, the student’s immediate field instructor is the key person responsible for the student’s learning in the field. Because of this, certain criteria should be considered in taking on this educational function.

Basic Requirements for being a Field Instructor:

  • A Master of Social Work degree from an accredited social work program plus two years of post-master’s practice experience;
  • Ability to conceptualize and demonstrate practice knowledge and skills and to stimulate the same in students;
  • A knowledge and understanding of agency’s program and service delivery methods; and
  • Ability to identify and teach principles and concepts from specific practice tasks.

Criteria for Selecting & Continuing Collaboration with Agencies

Negotiations for the development of field practice placements in an agency may be initiated by either the agency or the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2). Students are not required or encouraged to find their own field placements. To qualify as a field placement site, agencies must meet SP2’s criteria:

  • Ability to provide students with an appropriate number and diversity of assignments for students to develop knowledge and practice skills;
  • Ability to provide experiences that will assist the student’s integration of classroom learning and field practice by providing assignments that support the School’s curriculum;
  • Ability to provide appropriate agency space and support services for the student;
  • Opportunities for student participation in agency activities, such as staff or administrative meetings, in-service training, etc.; and
  • Social work practice in the agency is consistent with the values, ethics, and principles of the social work profession.

Wellness Information

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Executive Program in Digital Media for Social Impact (DMSI) Convening

The Center for Social Impact Strategy will be hosting learners from the Executive Program in Digital Media for Social Impact (DMSI) cohort for three days of immersive learning and community […]

Events

03/20

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Acts of Kindness Pop-Up

Stop by the Caster lobby for a quick afternoon snack as you go about your day!

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Contact Us

Leslie A. Daniels, MSW, LSW

Director of Field Education

215 573 9688

215 573 2099 (fax)

leslieda@upenn.edu

Jacinto J. Grant, MSW

Community-Engaged Professional Education Director

215 573 2099 (fax)

grantj1@upenn.edu