During the fall, the interns are enrolled in four university methods classes taught onsite with concurrent clinical experiences consisting of three consecutive days in the elementary or middle school classrooms. The unique aspect of this undergraduate experience is the involvement of multiple schools districts. Some external examples of this collaboration include the implementation of a Goals 2000 project, a scientific literacy project and an Eisenhower innovative teaching project between three middle schools in TR schools and Illinois State University s Center for Math Science and Technology. Some internal examples of this collaboration include a team teaching effort between university faculty and mentor teachers in a classroom writing lesson. 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.