Introduction to the Student Teaching Intern Handbook
Dear Teacher Intern,
Welcome to the Teacher Intern Program! You are about to start one of your credential program's most challenging, demanding, yet rewarding parts. For the length of your internship, you will have the unique opportunity to implement many of the educational theories, teaching methods, and instructional strategies you have learned about in your credential courses. You will assume full teaching responsibilities under the careful guidance of your Site Supervisor and University Supervisor. You will be in charge of classroom instruction. However, you will not be alone. Your entire internship will be guided and supported by your Site Supervisor and your USU Supervisor, under the guidance of the College of Education, the Program Director, and the Dean of the College of Education. Under the guidance of this team of coaches, you will have an opportunity to practice and implement the important requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
They are
- The Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs)
- The California Department of Education TK-12 Common Core State Standards
You are encouraged to make concerted efforts to prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally as you embark on the challenge of the internship. While the teacher intern experience is a great responsibility, if prepared, you can take the greatest advantage of every opportunity provided to you. Thus, you will be the best teacher you can be. During your internship, you will have to rely not only on the support and guidance of your site supervisor and university supervisor but also on your own initiative, enthusiasm, patience, and hard work.
District Employed Supervisors, known as “Site Supervisors”, are extremely gracious in providing you with the guidance and support you need at the school level. It is important to remember that teachers work as school team members. Likewise, you will be a member of this team during your internship. Introduce yourself to the school principal, teachers, and support staff. Attend meetings and professional development sessions, and always be on time. Learn the roles and responsibilities of all of the staff involved in educating your students. These staff members include librarians, reading specialists, psychologists, instructional assistants, the school secretary, the custodian, etc. They will all play very important roles during your internship.
However, the three key school team members who will work with you closely until you successfully complete your intern teaching assignment are your Site Supervisor, University Supervisor, and the Office of Educational Placements and Partnerships. They will offer you guidance, advice, suggestions, and recommendations. Also, they will assess your teaching performance and give you positive and constructive feedback. Therefore, feel free to ask them questions regarding any aspect of your internship.
Have a wonderful and successful experience!
-The United States University Faculty and Staff