Elisha Wohleb &Dr. Leane Skinner Auburn University

ABEA 2011

Certified in business/marketing education

3 years of educational experience in business/marketing education

Currently teach classes in area of business/marketing education

Currently hold at least a master’s degree

Introduce intern to students, teachers, and administrators

Help the intern establish his/her role as a teacher

Explain school policies and procedures Acquaint the intern with instructional

materials and classroom routines Assist the intern in developing a

schedule for gradually assuming full-time teaching responsibilities

Reference: Auburn University Internship Handbook

Initiate discussion regarding strengths and areas for improvement, including reflections Remember constructive criticism

Encourage intern to observe other teachers

Reference: Auburn University Internship Handbook

Meet with intern prior to the beginning of the internship

Checklist Explain school policies and procedures▪ Arrival and departure times▪ Parking information▪ School calendar▪ Lunch duties/habits▪ Dress code

Acquaint the intern with instructional materials and classroom routines▪ Provide copies of textbooks and class materials▪ Encourage the intern to watch a class or come to

school and spend a day in the classroom▪ Show the intern where their desk will be located▪ Make sure intern has computer access

Discuss your expectations for their gradual assumption of full-time teaching responsibilities▪ Some interns will want to teach right away▪ Others will want more time to observe and slowly

take over▪ There should be a clear understanding of

expectations by the end of the conversation

Suggested Schedule for full-time teaching Week one – intern observes Week two – intern assumes full

responsibility for one class Week three – intern assumes full

responsibility for second class Week four – intern assumes full

responsibility for third class Intern assumes full responsibility for all

classes until the last week of school

Henry, Beasley, and Brighton (2002) provide the following guidelines for introducing your intern to the class: Sincerely welcome the intern and ask pupils

to share in the greeting Share information about personal qualities

and achievements of intern Introduce the intern as a teacher Indicate confidence that the intern will bring

added benefit to the educational experience Allow intern opportunity to speak to the class Allow the students to ask the intern

questions

Immediately include intern in teaching responsibilities ▪ Suggestions:▪ Distribute and collect papers▪ Attendance▪ Supervise study periods▪ Administer tests/quizzes▪ Assist with computer activities▪ Assist with project work▪ Assist with demonstrations▪ Plan and create bulletin board

Help the intern establish his/her role as teacher Henry, Beasley, and Brighton (2002) suggest:▪ Accepting the student teacher as a professional

colleague by:▪ Showing respect for their decisions▪ Allowing the student teacher to accept responsibility▪ Listening to the student teacher’s ideas and concerns▪ Using relevant ideas submitted by the intern▪ Permit the intern to assume the same privileges as a

cooperating teacher

▪ Accept the usual mistakes of the intern – reinforce that mistakes are normal and most are not irrevocable

Meet with your intern as least once per week Topics▪ Progression (strengths and weaknesses) of

teaching skills and knowledge▪ Reflection▪ Upcoming lesson plans▪ Classroom management challenges/techniques

Communication with intern and University Supervisor is critical

Provide feedback to InternProvide feedback to University

SupervisorComplete any paperwork neededKeep communication lines open with

intern

Internship and cooperating teachers play one of the most influential roles of a pre-service teacher’s career

A cooperating teacher not only encourages the growth of an individual, but also the growth of our profession

Auburn University Internship Handbook

Henry, M., Beasley, W., & Brighton, K. (2002). Supervising student teachers. (6th ed.) Terre Haute, IN: Sycamore Press.