Internship
The internship is the culminating clinical experience in UMW’s educator preparation programs. During the full-time internship semester, teacher candidates work alongside experienced mentor teachers and university supervisors while gradually assuming the responsibilities of a classroom teacher. Through planning, instruction, assessment, classroom management, and professional collaboration, interns apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout their program in an authentic school setting.
Learning from Mentor Teachers
Mentor teachers are central to the internship experience. Selected based on recommendations from colleagues and administrators, these experienced educators model effective teaching practices, support interns’ professional growth, and provide guidance as interns transition from teacher candidate to professional educator. While sharing instructional responsibilities with interns, mentor teachers help them develop the competencies necessary to positively impact student learning and successfully navigate the culture of a school community.
Support from University Supervisors
Each intern is supported by a University Supervisor who serves as a bridge between the University and the placement site. University Supervisors partner with mentor teachers to support interns’ professional development, monitor progress, provide feedback and coaching, facilitate evaluation processes, and help ensure a successful internship experience.
Professional Expectations
Interns are expected to demonstrate professionalism, reliability, ethical conduct, and a commitment to student learning. As emerging educators and representatives of the University of Mary Washington, interns are responsible for engaging fully in all aspects of the school community and meeting the expectations outlined in the Clinical Experiences Handbook.
Applying for an Internship
Teacher candidates must submit an internship application prior to placement. Internship placements are coordinated by the Director of Clinical Experiences in partnership with local school divisions, administrators, and mentor teachers to ensure meaningful and supportive clinical experiences. Current application deadlines and requirements are available through the Internship Applications page.
Internship Assessment: Impact Study
The Impact Study serves as a culminating assessment during internship and provides evidence of an intern’s ability to plan, teach, assess, analyze student learning, and reflect on instructional effectiveness. Working collaboratively with their mentor teacher and university supervisor, interns design and implement a unit of instruction and analyze its impact on student learning.
For detailed Impact Study requirements and internship procedures, refer to the Clinical Experiences Handbook and Internship Canvas course.
Questions?
Kristina Peck, M.A.
Director of Clinical Experiences
Phone: (540) 654-1351
Email: kpeck@umw.edu
Seacobeck Hall, Room 136
