Residents work on the first two chapters of the thesis during the summer. During the third year, students take a second induction course based upon classroom research and implement their thesis research. If students have not fulfilled general education requirements through their undergraduate work, they must do so prior to applying for a teaching certificate. Students may take these courses at various institutions during the program. During the internship year, students gain experience in primary, intermediate, and middle school grades.
Participants are always in the classroom with a mentor teacher during the first year.
The internship year is divided into four phases. During the six weeks of Phase I, interns observe at three different grade levels for two week periods. During the 15 weeks of Phase II, the students are placed in one classroom. During the 15 weeks of Phase III, they are placed in a different classroom. The three weeks of the final phase are set aside to observe at the grade level of the residency placement.