Interprofessional Student Teaching Field Project: Building collaboration across disciplines

Preparing the next generation of educators to face the growing challenges posed by the social problems affecting youth requires an innovative approach and team effort . In response, the authors trace the development of an interprofessional student teaching field project involving university faculty, school district personnel, social work interns, cooperating teachers, and student teachers. Suggestions include the importance of a receptive field placement site where interprofessional connections are valued. The article describes various integrated field experience opportunities, such as a shadowing program and an interprofessional development seminar series. Recommendations are offered for implementing a collaborative model, including an examination of each discipline's ethical framework. The end result is a culminating field experience where professionals engage in open communication and a shared understanding of each other's roles in meeting the many challenges posed by the diverse needs of clients/students.