Stetson University’s Teacher Education internship program in Central Florida public schools was successfully completed by recent Stetson graduates. The program prepares prospective teachers for working in diverse classrooms by enabling them to work with public school students. In addition, public school teachers mentor the Stetson student interns.

Five students completed their internships in Flagler, Orange, and Seminole county schools. Each student taught at either middle or high school level and pursued majors in music education. They are allowed to major and intern in either the music education vocal program or the music education instrumental program.

From the first day of class, the students gained real-world experience during 15-week internship by teaching, grading and planning for their classes every day, all day. In addition to teaching classes full-time, each student took two classes connecting their coursework to their work done in the field.

After earning a degree and completing the internship, music education graduates receive a certification to teach in Florida and are approved by the State Department of Education and the National Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.

It is common for schools to hire the students who performed with them during their internship, which is why students feel very confident in entering the field professionally right after graduating.

“I plan to go straight on to teach before returning to graduate school for another degree in education,” said Brittnie Curley, one of the Stetson student interns.

Even though several of these students plan on teaching after graduating, similar to Curley they also plan on attending graduate school.  Here is the list of the students, who successfully completed the Teacher Education internship program including their hometowns, majors, schools where they interned and plans after graduation, if provided:

• Robert Schroyer, Daytona Beach, Fla., Bachelor of Music Education-instrumental, interned at Flagler Palm Coast High School in Flagler County, plans on pursuing a masters degree in percussion performance or begin public school teaching.

• Vincent Mingils, Palm Coast, Fla., Bachelor of Music Education-instrumental, interned at Water Springs High School in Seminole County, plans on attending graduate school pursuing percussion performance and teach at collegiate level.

• Jillian Savia, Port Orange, Fla., Bachelor of Music Education-instrumental, interned at Wekiva High School in Orange County, plans on becoming a music teacher in central Florida while pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.

• Rebeca True, Umatilla, Fla., Bachelor of Music Education-instrumental, interned at Millennium Middle School in Seminole County.

• Brittnie Curley, Umatilla Fla., Bachelor of Music Education-instrumental, interned at Indian Trails Middle School in Seminole County, plans on teaching in public schools and pursuing a master’s degree in education.

by Maurie Murray