Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions by Interns 

FAQ:   How long is the internship?

Answer: A few universities require multiple full-year internship experiences; most universities require a one-semester internship. This should become clear to interns as they matriculate through their programs.  

FAQ:    Do I have to complete an internship in both the elementary and the secondary setting?

Answer: This depends on each specific university program and the certification that is awarded. Although most universities require that an internship be completed at both the elementary and secondary levels, there are some programs that specialize in either elementary or secondary teaching. Some programs may require internship at elementary, middle, and high school levels.  

FAQ:    How do I know what units of instruction I will be teaching? Do I get to choose or do I have to follow the cooperating teacher's plans?

Answer: Most often the curriculum that is in place at the cooperating teacher's school is to be followed during your internship. Due to facility scheduling constraints, secondary programs have little flexibility on units to be taught at specific times. Elementary programs may have more flexibility on when a specific unit of instruction is taught.  

FAQ:    Do I get spring break when the university is scheduled for spring break?

Answer: You will follow the school district schedule if different than the university schedule. You will have vacation breaks when they are scheduled in your school district.  

FAQ:    What if I cannot get along with my cooperating teacher – even though I have tried everything?

Answer: Your university program will make every effort to place you with highly qualified cooperating teachers who are educated and enthusiastic to work with interns. As you work with your cooperating teacher and school, use your personal and professional skills to attempt to work through any challenges you may encounter. Although extremely uncommon, a placement may not work. If and when you feel as though you have exhausted your options, contact your university supervisor. Your university supervisor will work with you and with the cooperating teacher to mediate problems. As a last resort, you may be removed from the setting and placed elsewhere.             

Frequently Asked Questions by University Supervisors

FAQ: Do I have to go through any kind of training to be a University Supervisor?

Answer: Most colleges have either an orientation session or an informal overview with the coordinator of the internship program. Check with the coordinator.  

FAQ: How often do I need to see each intern?

Answer: It depends on the college policy and varies from 4-8 times. You should establish a schedule in which you can see the intern on a regular basis and more often if an intern is struggling.  

FAQ: Does this supervision count in my job description load?

Answer: This, too, depends on the department and college guidelines. You should check with the chair of your department.  

FAQ: What if the intern is not getting along with the Cooperating Teacher?

Answer: You need to ensure that collaborative observations and briefings occur between all participants so that you can gauge what is going on. Sometimes you may have to intervene on the behalf of the intern or the Cooperating Teacher. If needed, there is probably a college policy of how to proceed if you need to move the intern to another school and Cooperating Teacher.  

FAQ: How many times do I have to formally assess/evaluate the intern?

Answer: The college policy will identify how many times. Even when informally assessing, it is helpful to leave the intern and Cooperating Teacher with a written assessment.  

FAQ: What if I've never supervised PE before?

Answer:  Begin with reviewing the Beginning Teaching Standards, Best Practices, and Administrator Eval. available.

 Frequently Asked Questions by Cooperating Teachers

FAQ: How long do I need to teach in order to be a cooperating teacher?

Answer: This varies from state to state, from university to university, and from district to district. In many cases, a teacher must teach full time for at least three years in order to qualify.  

FAQ: Do I get paid to be a cooperating teacher?

Answer: It depends on the local policies. In some cases, cooperating teachers receive a stipend for supervising an intern. You should check with your district administration and/or the university.  

FAQ: Can I earn college credits for being a cooperating teacher?

Answer: This, too, depends on the state and university, but some places are able to provide this.  

FAQ: Do I have to go through any kind of training to be a cooperating teacher?

Answer: Some districts and universities require "mentorship" training in order to serve as a cooperating teacher. You should check with your district administration and/or the university.  

FAQ: What if my intern does not demonstrate appropriate progress during the internship. Is he/she withdrawn?

Answer: It is hoped that a candidate for teaching is not advanced to the internship if appropriate progress has not been made during prior coursework, practica or field experiences. However, if an intern is in the internship and is not demonstrating progress, the intern can be withdrawn. Hopefully, the decision to discontinue an internship is a group decision made by the intern, the cooperating teacher and the university supervisor. Of course, regular, accurate and direct feedback will assist the intern throughout the internship to know if withdrawal is recommended. There may be some instances where the intern is withdrawn for other reasons, as well.