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As an integral part of ����ԭ��’s teacher education programs, the is dedicated to preparing the next generation of educators through rich, hands-on learning in local schools.

By building partnerships with local school districts, the office ensures every teacher candidate gains the skills and confidence to thrive in the classroom — a commitment that earned the office the 2025 Outstanding Collaborative Unit Award.

Each semester, the office’s five full-time staff members, three student workers and 35 part-time adjunct instructors coordinate internships for roughly 300 teacher candidates.

This effort ensures that students gain high-quality, practical field experiences that deepen their professional knowledge, while partner organizations benefit from fresh talent, research collaborations and mutual engagement. The unit’s creative initiatives also include a co-teaching program that pairs ����ԭ�� teacher candidates with cooperating teachers to enhance classroom engagement and instructional quality.

Faculty praise the office for creating authentic and rigorous real-world experiences for students.

“OPFE enhances our work and the work of our college and university,” said teacher education faculty members Michelle Fleming, Ph.D., and Dave Herick. “Most importantly, they enhance the experiences of our students, supporting their growth and progress. OPFE enriches our community and raises ����ԭ��’s profile as a local, regional and national leader in educational partnerships.”

The office hosts the annual Learn Local Conference, bringing 200 educators to ����ԭ�� each year to share best practices in education, and organize professional development workshops, book studies and networking opportunities for area schools. Staff ensures all student teachers receive Youth Mental Health First Aid Training and partners with Crayons to Classrooms to provide new teachers with school supplies.

The staff convenes the Partnership Advisory Council, which includes about 100 faculty, students and stakeholders from regional school districts, to review data and share best practices.

Located in the , the office’s impact is not limited to teacher education. The staff also supports nursing and psychology clinical placements, oversees state licensure applications, manages affiliation agreements and conducts nearly 900 background checks each year, while ensuring ����ԭ�� remains in full compliance with regulations.

“Every time a need arises, OPFE is the first to respond with professionalism and innovation,” said Colleen Saxen, Ed.D., associate professor and chair of the . “Their work is not just collaborative — it is mission-critical.”

By combining relationship-building, strategic coordination, and a deep understanding of teacher preparation, the Office of Partnerships and Field Experiences is a model for collaborative success.

As Saxen summed up, “OPFE doesn’t just collaborate — they lead, inspire and transform.”