“A lot of people notice when you succeed, but they don't see what it takes to get there.”
~ Dawn Staley

Our Innovative Clinical Faculty Program

Why is the VCU Clinical Faculty Program unique?

• Open to all teachers.  As opposed to the professional development school model in which only faculty in certain schools are designated as clinical faculty, any teacher can apply to become VCU clinical faculty.

• A rigorous application process. Candidates submit an application packet including proof of licensure, recommendation forms, resume, and a 6-question writing component which must be submitted fully and postmarked by February 15th.  Only complete applications will be considered.  The review panel, made up of veteran clinical faculty and led by the clinical faculty coordinator, discuss and score applications on a scoring rubric. 

• Required intensive training. Based on the Santa Cruz mentoring model, attendees learn about the coaching cycle, collecting observation data, and VCU formative assessment tools.

• Opportunities to grow as teacher leaders.  At the end of each school year, clinical faculty are given a self-assessment survey that helps to determine additional training opportunities that may be helpful for their mentor practice.  Additional training can be used toward recertification points.  Clinical faculty can progress through three levels of increasing responsibility:
  • Level 1 - Cooperating Teacher
  • Level 2 - Site-Based University Supervisor
  • Level 3 - Teacher Educator 

• Opportunities for educational enhancement.  The Clinical Faculty Program offers many ongoing opportunities for professional growth which include presenting at statewide conferences, conducting seminars for VCU students, designing and presenting professional workshops, serving on advisory boards, and representing VCU at national meetings.