All field experiences require background check clearance. The type of experience determines the type of background check required.

• In general, Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) clearance is required for lecture courses that include a fieldwork component (observation or practicum) as part of the course. This background check involves a search for criminal convictions in Alaska and is often called an Interested Person Report (IPR).
• Courses that are field-based, such as counseling practica or internships, require fingerprinting and a national (FBI) criminal history background check. 
• In some cases, APSIN clearance or fingerprint-based clearance is required for admission to a program.
• Students taking classes at the Providence Early Learning Center (PELL) must pass a fingerprint-based background check. This check is valid for 5 years. Students who have received clearance through this process do not have to receive additional background clearances until they apply for a school-based internship.

Student Teaching Authorization

All initial certification candidates (those individuals who do not already have current Alaska teaching certificates) must apply to the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED) to be authorized to student teach in Alaska. This process requires a fingerprint-based background clearance regardless if one has previously received a fingerprint-based background clearance from courses at PELL, worked as a substitute in a district, worked at a childcare center, etc. The only individuals exempt from a Student Teaching Authorization are those who hold a current Alaska educator license that was issued by EED.

For questions concerning background checks or field placements, please contact:

Lisa Gonzales Ives
Assistant Coordinator, Office of Field Experiences & Certification
UAA College of Education

Professional Studies Building, Room 222B
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508

Phone:  (907) 786-4306

FAX:  (907) 786-4444
Email: lmgonzales@uaa.alaska.edu

Advising

Contact the Office of Student Engagement at 907-786-4401

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