Disqualification of Interns
In some cases, Teacher Interns may struggle to meet TPEs. In these cases, the University Supervisor will consult with the Site Supervisor to determine the next steps. The University Supervisor will determine whether or not these struggling Teacher Interns will continue in their internship placements under more frequent supervision and guidance or if Teacher Interns should be disqualified from the program.
For Teacher Interns who deserve a continuance, written recommendations and plans for improvement will be provided for them. Basically, an individualized educational plan will be created for them. Teacher Interns will be given an opportunity to remedy any deficiencies. If these Teacher Interns fail to meet their designated goals in a specific timeframe, they will not be allowed to progress in the program.
Teacher Interns are guests of the school site at which they are interning. As such, Site Supervisor, administrators or districts may terminate their commitment at any time; Site Supervisors are responsible for their TK-12 students and in cases in which hosting struggling Teacher Interns take away from serving students, Site Supervisors have the option to re-focus their priorities back on their students. Furthermore, the school administrator may, at any time, also exercise the prerogative of requesting that certain Teacher Interns be relieved of internship responsibilities. Such cases will result in a “No Credit” final grade.
The option of another placement or moving to the traditional student teaching program is based on the recommendations of the University Supervisor, program director, and/or Dean. This option is also based on the availability of alternative placements. It may be necessary for struggling Teacher Interns to repeat the semester or to terminate their participation in the credential program.
Disqualified Teacher Interns may choose to petition for consideration to return to the credential program in cases in which a “No Credit” grade is issued and/or in cases in which the program director does not support an opportunity for repeating internship.