Development and Implementation of an Administrative Internship Program

Abstract

This article describes the development and implementation of a pilot program to prepare teachers seeking New York State certification as School District Administrators, by assigning them as administrative interns to a school district. The district superintendent of a large urban school district and the college program director partnered to design a pilot experiential course to take the place of an existing internship course for eight candidates. The dual purpose was to provide an authentic learning experience for the candidates, and to provide actionable information for the superintendent for improvement of the district instructional program. The candidates reviewed the New York State District Report Card to identify areas of academic concern, conducted research, and interviewed district personnel to make suggestions and recommendations for academic improvement. Findings and recommendations were presented to the superintendent and his administrative staff to inform district improvement efforts, and for improvement of the existing course. Recommendations are included.