Internships

The purpose of the Elementary Internships is to provide an opportunity for initial candidates to obtain experience in the teaching and assessment of social studies, reading and language arts, mathematics, and science. Each internship is 30 hours in length for a total of 60 hours per semester if both internships take place concurrently which is common practice.

TEEL 378/478 Science of Reading/Social Studies Internships Offered during spring and fall semesters

TEEL 377/479 Mathematics/Science Internships Offered during spring and fall semesters

The purpose of the Principles of Instruction in Special Education internship is to give candidates the opportunity to experience hands-on application of lesson plans and activities that you create. Additionally, management of a classroom, making adjustments for individual student needs, utilizing developmentally appropriate practices, and reflecting are enhanced under the supervision of education faculty and quality mentor teachers.

TESP 360 Principles of Instruction in Special Education Offered during spring and fall semesters

The purpose of Internship I (ECU Birth to Age 3) is to provide an opportunity for teacher candidates to obtain experience in the field of early childhood intervention support and services. Interns experience a broad range of professional exposures specific to the program (e.g. Part C family services, early intervention (PAT), Early Head Start).

TEEC 336 Internship I Birth-Age 3  Offered during spring and summer semesters

The purpose of Internships II and III (ECU Ages 3 to 5 and ECU Grades Kindergarten-3rd grade) is to provide an opportunity for candidates to obtain experience in the teaching and assessment of art, music, health/P.E., social studies, reading and language art (language development), math and science.

TEEC 341 Internship II Ages 3-5 Offered during the fall semester

TEEC 376 Internship III Kindergarten-Grade 3 Offered during the fall and spring semesters

On what days and times are internship hours completed (schedule)?

Your schedule will be dependent on the needs and schedules of your Mentor Teacher and host school.  There is not a set schedule that we implement for all internship candidates, as flexibility is of the utmost importance.

Can candidates complete internships in a school where they are employed?

Yes, internship candidates can complete their internships in the school they are employed in.  However, the intern may only count the hours where the content area of the internship is being covered within the classroom.  Internship candidates may also be required to complete half of their required hours in their Mentor Teacher’s classroom should it be a separate classroom than the one they currently work in. 

Can candidates complete all internships in one school/facility?

Our accreditation process requires diversity of placements, which means each internship will take place in a different grade level with a different Mentor Teacher.  While candidates may remain at one school for all internships, it is strongly recommended to experience more than one school/facility while interning.  Candidates will most likely not Student Teach in a school building where they have completed all internships.

If I am taking two elementary internships concurrently, do I need to have two separate Mentor Teachers?

No, you do not necessarily need two different Mentor Teachers if the classroom covers both content areas. The next semester of internships, however, you will need to be placed with a different Mentor Teacher.

Can candidates place themselves in internships?

NO, candidates are NOT permitted to arrange their own internship placements unless otherwise directed by the Internship Coordinator.  All internship placements will be finalized by the Internship Coordinator.

How many internships can be taken during one semester?

Internship candidates will be allowed to take no more than 2 internships per semester.  On a case-by-case basis, candidates may seek approval for exception to this requirement by a committee led by the Teacher Education Department Chair.

Can I complete TEEC 341 Internship II: Preschool (Ages 3-5) with Parents As Teachers?

Unfortunately, Parents As Teachers is not a viable option for an internship placement.  TEEC 341 must be completed within an accredited Preschool classroom at a center. Unfortunately, we are unable to place internship candidates in a home setting.

Where can I find my TB Skin Test and Background Check results?

If you do not have your TB Skin Test results, you will need to contact the doctor's office/health center where you completed the exam originally and ask them for a copy. Your Background Check results can be found by following the instructions in this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bkm_br2tAy49iynDh8Z30jxGDsrjQ-ybW3ESiYoeECw/edit?usp=drive_link.

Can I use my emergency substitute license for my Background Check results?  What do I do if I do not already have a copy of that document?

Yes, you may use your emergency substitute license for your background check results. If you do not already have a copy of that document, you will need to go to the state substitute licensure website to try and retrieve it.

I got married after I completed my Background Check and TB Skin Test, do I need to retake them with my new legal name listed?

You do not need to redo your background check and TB Skin test in this scenario.

How long does my Background Check results and TB Skin Test results last?

Admission to Teacher Education (TE) documents are valid for 6 months.
Upon entry into the Teacher Education Program, the Background Check and TB Skin Test results last for four (4) years after they have been originally completed as per the FHSU Teacher Education policy.  Keep in mind that the school district you are interested in interning in might have a different policy that requires you to redo those results.

What is Professional Liability Insurance?

It is an insurance policy purchased through a professional organization to protect candidates from liabilities while in a field placement.  This type of insurance is NOT covered by other existing policies such as health, automobile, or homeowners’ insurance.

How soon do I need to purchase a Professional Liability Insurance policy?

Your insurance policy needs to last for the duration of your internship experience. If you purchase it early, just make sure the expiration date falls after the end of your internship.

Am I required to have Professional Liability Insurance?

Yes, you are required to have Professional Liability Insurance before you begin your internship. Failure to do so will mean you will not receive your placement information. Here is a link with further FAQ's regarding this requirement: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u5U-KIK2SFe4viHNpU4Bkdc9_hoUkXIDv-rUhdvexZo/edit#gid=0.

When will I receive my placement information?

This depends on the semester and the timeliness that you completed all the required forms and documents. If there are any issues with your placement, we will communicate with you regarding any details. Hopefully all placements are completed by the 6th week of the fall and spring semesters. For the summer Infant/Toddler internship, placements should be completed by the second week of the term.