Program Requirements

This credit internship was initially designed for students enrolled in the elementary, secondary or early childhood educational certification programs at SMCM, during their professional semester of student teaching. Students in this category will be earning 12 credits for the entire semester, which includes seven weeks of student teaching in Maryland before departure for The Gambia in mid-October (Fall Break). These students are expected to fulfill all requirements of EDUC450 as outlined by the instructor. Students may also enroll in 2 or 4 credits of their Saint Mary’s Project if it relates to their experience in The Gambia. They will also to take Literacy Assessment (elementary) or Problems and Issues in Content Reading (secondary) during the summer or first seven weeks of the semester prior to departure.

Students who are not enrolled in the educational certification program are required to show competency within fields of educational psychology and teaching methods. Participants who hold a teaching certificate or have more than one year of employment experience are exempted from the following requirements. In order to be accepted into the program, non-participants of the certification program will have to have completed or show evidence that they will complete the following prior to departure:

Field Studies in Education (EDUC 293)
Educational Psychology (EDUC/PSYC 368)

At least one of the following courses with a grade of C or higher:
1. Lifespan Development (PSYC 230)
2. Adolescence (PSYC 333)
3. Instructional Design (EDSC 490)
4. Other approved course centered around curriculum design or teaching pedagogy

At least 16 academic credits, 8 of which are upper level, in subject area (secondary) or at least 12 credits of math and science combined (elementary)

At least 60 hours of documented classroom observation / participation

Participation (not necessarily enrollment) in the student teaching seminar during the first seven weeks (pre-departure) of the same semester of internship (EDUC 450)

An abbreviated portfolio documenting experiences and philosophies as a teacher

Depending on acceptance and credentials, non-participants of the teacher certification program may have to enroll for this internship as an independent study (8 credits), using the goals and requirements listed in this handbook as their guide. These students are also encouraged to enroll in 4-8 credits of research study within their field, or incorporate 2-4 credits of their Saint Mary’s Project into their internship. Students who are able to enroll in EDUC450 will receive 12 credits for the internship, and are required to fulfill all of the assignments designated by the instructor of that course.

Downloads:

Informational Packet for Interested Students (.doc)
Program Application and Housing Form (.doc)
Handbook for Accepted Interns (includes packing advice!) (.doc)
 

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