The School of Education strongly believes that field experiences are essential elements in all pre-service teacher education programs. Collaboration with area Professional Development Schools  enables students to observe and participate in classrooms beginning with the Introduction to Education course and continuing through the capstone field experience-Student Teaching. Georgia Southwestern State University's Professional Development Schools are located in the following counties: Ben-Hill, Crisp, Dodge, Houston, Lee, Macon, Marion, Pulaski, Sumter, Webster, and Wilcox.