Student teachers are typically placed in three to four different public and independent school sites over the courses of the SFW/A year. Students, advisors, and the program director discuss placements, and decisions are made based on the availability of placements with consideration for the student's professional needs and interests. Students are exposed to a variety of school environments, several age ranges, and diverse student populations. Cooperating teachers in these classrooms typically demonstrate Bank Street practice; however, a variety of teaching styles may be observed during the year.

Typically, the student teaching schedule requires three full school days per week (unpaid); however, in some cases, other scheduling arrangements equivalent to three full days are desirable. The SFW/A year begins in September and runs through May.

Note to students in the Early Childhood and Childhood General Education Dual Certification (aka Cross-Age) program: You must choose the student teacher pathway. This way, you are exposed to the wide range of ages covered in this program.

Note to students in the Museum Education programs: During your SFW/A year, you will spend one semester as a student teacher in a school setting, and the other in a museum setting. Again, placement sites are assigned based in part on knowledge of your stated interests and background.