Teacher Education Program - Gateways
Internships
Internships are essentially paid student teaching placements that have been arranged by the respective school district with approval by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The Wisconsin Improvement Program (WIP) within DPI monitors and sponsors the internship program for the state of Wisconsin. Each teacher education institution has a liaison to WIP. The field experience director serves in this capacity for UW Oshkosh.
Students interested in an internship complete a separate internship application that is collected in the Office of Field Experiences following the Student Teaching Application Meeting (in September for Spring candidates and February for Fall candidates).
To be considered for a semester-long internship, an applicant must meet the following criteria at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in or have completed all undergraduate coursework prior to student teaching
- Have a positive clinical experience/practicum recommendation without any noted deficiencies
- Have a minimum GPA of: 3.50 professional, 3.10 major, 3.10 minor and 3.10 combined
- Be eligible for a full semester student teaching placement (i.e. dual majors are not eligible)
- Pass all necessary Praxis II /ACTFL/ FORT exams
- Receive faculty and departmental approval
Please note that interns cannot take ANY coursework during an internship.
Interns are responsible for paying the state’s Wisconsin Improvement Program fee of $200. Interns also purchase a $75 intern license from the Department of Public Instruction (at the DPI website). If an intern accepts a position outside of the COEHS Service Region, the $750 out-of-area fee will apply.
The Director of Field Experiences will facilitate the Internship process and will require an individual meeting with each prospective intern.
For more detailed information about the internship program, go to the Wisconsin Improvement Program website and review pages 1-9 of the handbook. This document will outline expectations, salary, etc.
Internship Application Process Timeline
- Submit online student teaching application AND application for an internship (due March 1/October 1).
- Submit letters of support.
- STAR report is reviewed by the Office of Field Experience. Application materials and candidate’s competency is evaluated. COEHS faculty are polled on each candidate’s preparedness and qualifications. Passing Praxis II and Foundations of Reading Test (if applicable) scores must be on file.
- Attend a briefing meeting with Director of Field Experiences. Wisconsin Improvement Program is explained. Students are evaluated on paperwork, process and interpersonal skills. Sample education interview questions will be practiced. Students express interest in particular internships; questions are fielded.
- Eligible candidates’ application packets are sent to a maximum of two school districts.
- District interviews are held with candidates. Interns are hired and placements verified.
PROCESS FOR NEW INTERNS:
- Letters of verification are sent to future interns about WIP fee ($200 check) and Wisconsin intern license ($50). (End of the semester prior to internship.)
- Interns meet with the Field Experiences Director after Orientation (early Jan/August). The fees are collected at this time. Policies and procedures are explained. Online license applications are completed.
- A complimentary “new teacher” resource book is provided.
- Professional development funds ($225) are available for each intern during the semester they are employed and must be approved by the respective district.
- A follow-up meeting with the Field Experiences Director will be held at the end of the internship.
Note:
- If a candidate is not selected for an internship, student teaching placements are procured.
- Elementary Ed students’ minor placements at the middle level are waived if the internship is at the elementary level and vice versa.
- Special Education licenses are provided only for the level of the internship; hence the MC-A (grades 1-12) license is not feasible for interns
- All internships are a full semester
- Interns are paid $4500 minus taxes, no benefits.