Also, interns are working with mentor teachers to create interactive bulletin boards and culture trunks. Students teach in at least three different grade levels. Students teach in at least three different school districts. Students experience a diversity of learner characteristics and school cultures. Students have systematic opportunities to relate course content to classroom experiences.
Students experience the beginning of the school year.
A yearlong experience allows students to take on more staff responsibilities. Placements are in school districts of different sizes, ethnic diversity, and economic levels. The more intensive experiences enable a greater student participation in classroom routine and multiple placements promotes a greater awareness of school cultures. Prospective employers recognize the advantages of the full year of experience. Participants include the schools of the Two Rivers Professional Development Center, professional staff of the Two Rivers PDC, and the faculty and administrators of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Illinois State University.