Practicum - Practicum Instructors


Go to Practicum Instructor Forms

The Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work has access to some of the most qualified Practicum Instructors in the State of Hawai’i. More than 150 experienced practitioners serve as Practicum Instructors for students and work with the Practicum Office to develop and provide students with quality professional social work education.

Practicum Instructor Qualifications

To insure quality field practicum education for all students, the Practicum Office shall assess and approve Practicum Instructors under the following criteria. Only school approved instructors will be used for field practicum.

General requirements

  1. Possesses a MSW degree from a CSWE accredited school of social sork.

  2. Has two years subsequent satisfactory work experience in a social welfare agency, institution, or similar setting.

  3. Has a commitment to the profession of social work and social work education.

  4. Has experience in supervision or a demonstrated ability to teach.

To see the complete list of qualifications of the Practicum Instructor please refer to the BSW or MSW Practicum Manual.

Link to BSW Manual
Link to MSW Manual

Practicum Instructor Roles

The Practicum Instructor is the focal point in the planning, educational supervision, and evaluation/grading function of the student’s practicum. The Practicum Instructor has different roles to fulfill.

Planning Role

The Practicum Instructor needs to be involved in the planning function of the student’s field experience. In some agencies, these activities may be carried out by the agency’s administrator or a coordinator for social work student placements.

Educational Supervision Role

Throughout the practicum experience, the Practicum Instructor’s primary role is an educator and facilitator of student learning.

Evaluation and Grading Role

Evaluation is the product of an ongoing process that begins with the initial learning agreement between the student and Practicum Instructor. With the development of a learning agreement, performance should be mutually and continuously assessed throughout the semester.

To see the complete list of roles of the Practicum Instructor please refer to the BSW or MSW Practicum Manual.

Link to BSW Manual
Link to MSW Manual

Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities in Practice settings, NASW Code of Ethics 3.02, effective January 1, 1997.


Section 3.02 - Education and Training

  1. Social workers who function as educators, field instructors for students or trainers should provide instruction only within their areas of knowledge and competence and should provide instruction based on the most current information and knowledge available in the profession.

  2. Social workers who function as educators or field instructors for students should evaluate students’ performance in a manner that is fair and respectful.

  3. Social workers who function as educators or field instructors for students should take reasonable steps to ensure that clients are routinely informed when services are being provided by students.

  4. Social workers who function as educators or field instructors for students should not engage in any dual or multiple relationships with students in which there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the student. Social work education and field instructors are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries.

Practicum Instructor Forms

These forms are for the UH Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work only. All forms are in PDF format and most are fillable (you can complete the form on your computer and print it). This requires Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, fill, and print. Click to download Acrobat Reader (FREE).

Practicum Forms

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