AN URBAN SCHOOLS–UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP THAT PREPARES AND RETAINS QUALITY TEACHERS FOR “HIGH NEED” SCHOOLS

Abstract

This article describes a full-time teaching internship program, where, in lieu of student teaching, interns serve as classroom teachers in urban area schools. Through a partnership between a university and participating school districts, all interns received intensive mentoring and induction during their first year. Among the program results, were a 100% retention rate of interns in the teaching profession, significant growth in teaching interns' confidence, readiness, and self-efficacy regarding their abilities to teach successfully. In addition, school administrators consistently rated interns as proficient teachers using a state-approved evaluation instrument. Implications for continuing the internship program are presented.