Western Oregon University Updates Clinical Placement Lead
The new director will oversee 800 annual student teaching placements, serving as the main contact for local school district partners.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in People
Western Oregon University has appointed Jennifer Koshnick as the new Director of Clinical Practices and Licensure within its College of Education. Koshnick began the role on Aug. 24, 2026, where she oversees clinical experiences for students.
Why it matters
The position serves as a critical coordination hub for regional school districts, managing complex field placements that prepare the next generation of local educators. Maintaining effective pipelines between university programs and district sites remains essential for staffing local schools.
The Director of Clinical Practices and Licensure manages more than 800 student placements each year. This oversight includes coordination across various clinical phases, from early observations to final student teaching requirements.
The players
Jennifer Koshnick
The newly appointed Director of Clinical Practices and Licensure at Western Oregon University.
Western Oregon University
A public university in Monmouth, Oregon, known for its teacher preparation programs and College of Education.
The details
As the Director, Koshnick facilitates the integration of university teacher candidates into professional environments by coordinating directly with faculty, university supervisors, site administrators, and mentor teachers. The role encompasses the oversight of all embedded fieldwork, ensuring that requirements for licensure are met through various practicum stages in school districts.
Timeline
Aug. 24, 2026: Jennifer Koshnick began her tenure as Director.
Market Landscape
The Director position aligns with the Oregon Educator Advancement Council's standards for clinical practice regarding teacher licensure. This appointment maintains the structural integrity of university-to-district pipelines that satisfy state-mandated certification requirements.
Site administrators and mentor teachers should anticipate continued coordination regarding student teaching placements through this office. Operators in the education sector should note the leadership contact for field experiences, as this role manages the flow of student educators into local districts.
The takeaway
Effective clinical placement relies on the constant coordination between university leadership and district site administrators. Educators should track current placement workflows to ensure they align with the administrative changes at the College of Education.
Further reading
For more professional shifts across the state, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Polk County Itemizer-Observer.
