TWU Offers New Program To Address State Teacher Shortage

7/1/02

DENTON — Texas Woman's University is taking an innovative approach to addressing the critical shortage of qualified teachers with a new program that moves university students into teaching positions at a faster rate.

The Senior Teaching Internship program offers teaching internships to qualified TWU seniors who have completed all the requirements for a degree except student teaching. The program, which was approved by the State Board of Educator Certification, places students in a full-time, one-year, paid position in a school district.

TWU's first partners under this plan are the Dallas Independent School District and the Denton Independent School District. The Dallas Independent School District offered positions to nine TWU students, while Denton hired four senior interns for the 2002–2003 academic year.

Interns register for three credits in the Summer II session immediately prior to beginning the internship for pre-service classes taught by TWU faculty and school district staff. During the fall and spring semesters, interns register for a six-credit-hour internship course that incorporates objectives based on a professional development and appraisal system.

Interns submit an application for employment and a portfolio documenting academic performance to a screening committee comprised of school district and university representatives.

“The Dallas Independent School District is pleased to partner with TWU in this innovative approach to the challenges presented by the teacher shortage,” said Willie Crowder, associate superintendent of human resource services for the Dallas ISD. “We encourage other colleges and universities to consider similar opportunities. I applaud TWU for this creative endeavor and for selecting DISD.”

Mentoring is an integral part of the program. Each intern works with a team comprised of TWU faculty and a school district staff member.

“I think the internship is a wonderful opportunity for students who feel that they are ready to go into the classroom, and I appreciate the support and mentorship that Texas Woman's University will continue to offer,” said Vicki Molchan, senior intern for the Denton ISD.

“Universities face new challenges, and the old ways of preparing teachers must be redesigned to meet present and future needs of school districts throughout the state and nation,” said Dr. Keith Swigger, dean of the TWU College of Professional Education. “The Senior Teaching Internship is one way that Texas Woman's University addresses these challenges.”

For additional information on the Senior Teaching Internship, contact the TWU College of Professional Education at (940) 898-2202.

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For Further Information Contact:

Karen Treat
Senior Copywriter
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: ktreat@twu.edu