Field Education

We believe that quality field education is the most fundamental way to learn professional-level competencies and skills, and our intensive focus on field education is one of the things that sets us apart at Western Michigan University. Your field education will be one of the highlights of your time here at WMU. It is where you will practice the knowledge, skills and values of the social work profession, and learn to be an effective social worker in practitioner.

If you have questions about fieldwork or if you have ideas to make the process easier, more responsive or more fun, we would love to hear from you. Please contact the appropriate fieldwork coordinator and share your thoughts.

Social work professionals, are you interested in hosting a student or becoming a field instructor for WMU School of Social Work? Please use the above contact info to get more information.

Remote activities for field placement

Field Instructors of the Year

Each year the Field Education Committee seeks nominations for the School of Social Work's field instructor of the year award.

  • 2018-19 Chris Roberts (Family Outreach Center) & Maggie Richardson (WMU Children's Trauma Assessment Center)

  • 2017-18 Autumn Delnat (YWCA) & Teri Clark (Network 180)

  • 2016-17 Peggy Liss (Family and Children Services) & Heidi Hall (Lewis Cass ISD) & Douglass Judson (Cherry Health - Leonard Street Counseling)

  • 2015-16 Andrea Bishop (InterAct of Michigan)

  • 2014-15 Kim Rychener (Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health) & Jenifer Hill (Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County)