Field Education Supervisors

The Princeton Theological Seminary’s field education program relies on partner churches and organizations to create opportunities for students to practice their ministry and leadership skills in a hands-on context. Our field education supervisors mentor, challenge, and walk alongside students in meaningful ways throughout their placement, shaping their pastoral imagination and vocational clarity.

Why Become a Field Education Supervisor?

As a field education supervisor, you’ll participate in a mutual, transformative learning experience that encourages deep theological and vocational reflection, trust-building, and thoughtful support. You’ll guide Princeton Theological Seminary students who are exploring what it means to creatively and expansively live out their vocations as Christians, while reexamining your own work and service to the church and Jesus Christ.

We love that we get to encourage the next generation’s discernment of vocational calls and skills. Field education partnerships create an opportunity for all sides to be open, try new things, and discuss the why behind ministry, while blending and integrating the academics of the classroom alongside the practical theology of day-to-day parish ministry. Being a teaching church and teaching pastor alongside students is central to our understanding of being God’s people in this moment and for future generations.

Rev. Sharyl M. Dixon, MDiv’05
Pastor, Kingston Presbyterian Church

Become a Field Education Supervisor

Field education placements are part of a student’s academic coursework and serve the student’s learning goals, vocational formation, ministerial integration, and theological reflection.

All sites and supervisors must meet certain criteria to be approved by the Office of Field Education and Vocational Placement.

Below are some of the requirements and expectations for field education supervisors.

Provide a context for learning and serving that meets the student’s educational and professional development needs in addition to the ministerial needs of the site.
Possess an MDiv or equivalent degree; in the case of specialized ministries, supervisors must possess appropriate professional certification.
Have been in ministry (post seminary) for at least three years and on-site for one year.
Participate in New Site Supervisor Training provided by Princeton Seminary staff.
Comply with all Princeton Seminary policies, including those related to Title IX and Title VI.
Complete all required documentation and a background check facilitated by Princeton Seminary.
Meet weekly (or bi-weekly) with the student for theological reflection on ministry experiences, mentoring, and supervision.
Regularly provide student with honest, constructive, and timely feedback.

For more information, please reach out to the Field Education office at field-ed@ptsem.edu.

Information for Current Field Education Supervisors

Placement Season Timeline and Responsibilities

Phase 1: Prepare
September – December

Students begin placement exploration and supervisors update their site profile in the field education database.

Update Your Field Education Database Here

Phase 2: Find and Secure/Register Placement
January – April

Students interview with supervisors and complete placement paperwork if committed to working together.

Phase 3: Begin Placement
Summer and/or Fall

Students and supervisors attend orientations and begin placements.

Questions?

Contact field-ed@ptsem.edu.