Category: Internship

Working Out Expectations at Internship Seminar

IMG_4472 IMG_4473 IMG_4483 IMG_4484 IMG_4488 IMG_4489Interns and cooperating teachers can be found in every nook and cranny of the Faculty of Education as they participate in the second day of their internship seminar.

Cooperating Teacher Cathy Truong says, “This seminar is really helpful and valuable.”  Intern Kristen Lowe agrees, “I feel really lucky to be participating in this seminar.”  As interns and cooperating teachers work together, some of their discussions are focused around the Internship Placement Profile (IPP) evaluation sheet, which lists qualities, skills, and competencies necessary for preservice teachers to develop personally and professionally during their internship. Kristen says, “Going through the list helps to establish expectations for the internship.”

Using a template, interns and cooperating teachers also develop a contract together. Manager of Field Placements Jerry Orban says, “The contract details the working relationship between the interns and the cooperating teachers, everything from where to park to what each will be doing, in which classes, and what dates to expect. It’s a work in progress and each contract will be different.” The understanding that interns and cooperating teachers reach during internship seminar supports the working relationship throughout the internship.

The internship seminar provides a 3-day block of focused time for interns and cooperating teachers to establish working relationships and to discuss their expectations before the busy school year begins. The fourth-year internship is one way that the Faculty of Education demonstrates its commitment to assisting preservice teachers in becoming knowledgeable, competent, and caring teachers.

Internship Seminars Begin

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Front (L-R) Jerry Orban, Manager, Student Placements and Field Experiences and Dr. Xia Ji, Director, Professional Development & Field Experiences. Students and cooperating teachers gather together to begin the Internship Seminar.
Amy Lawson, an internship seminar leader, role plays an intern's cellphone conversation with a friend--none of it had to do with students, curriculum, or professional development, but she sure was having a good time!
Amy Lawson, an internship seminar leader, role plays an intern’s cellphone conversation with a friend–none of it had to do with students, curriculum, or professional development, but she sure was having a good time!
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Vince Baryluk, an internship seminar leader, role plays an overworked intern whose cooperating teacher not only uses him as a babysitter, but also can’t even remember his name.
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Vicky Bonnell, Regina Catholic School Board Trustee
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Jerry Orban, Manager, Student Placements and Field Experiences

One of seven internship seminars began today for a group of fourth year students who will be interning in schools for 16 weeks this fall. The 3-day internship seminar is where students and cooperating teachers meet, usually for the first time. The seminar helps students and their cooperating teachers begin a professional relationship in which they work collaboratively, with respect for one another.

At the assembly, various scenes were role played to show how issues can arise: the overworked, exploited intern; the intern who isn’t quite taking their internship seriously and so on. Dr. Xia Ji, the new Director of Student Placements and Field Experiences participated in the seminar this year. Manager, Jerry Orban works throughout the year to ensure all students have placements.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Regina places a strong emphasis on field experiences, which help students to integrate the theory they are learning in their programs with practical applications.