Clinical Practice Special Interest Group (SIG)
The VACTE Clinical Practice SIG aims to improve the quality and impact of field experiences for future educators across the state. Through effective communication and collaboration among our partners in higher education and PreK-12 public schools, the Clinical Practice SIG shares innovative ideas and best practices to deliver high quality and effective experiences for our candidates in the field.
To fulfill our mission, we:
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Build and sustain strong partnerships between higher education institutions and PreK-12 schools to ensure seamless integration of practical experiences into educator preparation.
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Share and implement innovative strategies and best practices that enhance the quality of varied field experiences.
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Ensure all members of the association are aware of the most current challenges and successes when providing high quality field experiences.
Get Involved
We would love to collaborate with you on the development of effective clinical experiences. An example of such opportunities happened recently:
On June 26, 2026, the VACTE Clinical SIG convened representatives from 14 Virginia educator preparation programs for a collaborative work session focused on clinical evaluations and CAEP alignment. Participants exchanged promising practices, discussed challenges in assessment and partnership development, and explored ways to use evaluation data to support candidate growth, continuous improvement, and stronger PK-12 partnerships. The session concluded with plans for increased statewide collaboration, resource sharing, and professional development.
Join the Conversation
Interested in joining one of these conversations in the future? Make sure to join the Clinical Experiences List Serv by clicking the button below to stay in the loop!
Contact Kristina Peck and Savanna Love, SIG Co-Chairs, for more information about this group. Use the link to the right to sign up for the Clinical Practice SIG Listserv.
Learn More from AACTE
The AACTE Clinical Practice Commission shares its findings on how mutually beneficial partnerships between educator preparation providers and PK-12 can successfully create laboratories of practice for both teacher candidates and practicing teachers, providing continuous improvement for all involved. This report (2018) highlights research-based recommendations, including a shared professional lexicon, for all educators to embrace as a foundation for effectively implementing evidence-based clinical practice.
Clinical Practice SIG Leadership
Co-Chairs
Savanna Love, Virginia Commonwealth University
Kristina Peck, University of Mary Washington
Advisory Group Members
Michelle Goodwin, Liberty University
Jennessa Libby-Reynolds, Old Dominion University
Cody Lloyd, University of Virginia