Student Observations and Internship Placements

Field Experience / Student Observations

Marion County Public School District places a high value on the student teaching experience. High expectations and standards provide a focus for the success of this process. We are committed to providing an effective learning environment for the student teacher as well as our own students. Therefore, the placement of student teachers, observers, and interns is a careful and thoughtful process.

OBSERVATION REQUESTS

The Marion County Public School District is happy to accommodate students who are required to complete classroom observations for their coursework. The following district procedures were developed for classroom observation requests:

The student must complete the Application to Volunteer and the Application for Student Observation. The completed paperwork must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the desired date of observation, along with a letter or course syllabus indicating that the observation is required to complete necessary coursework. The Teaching and Learning Department will contact the site administrator to obtain approval and a teacher assignment. After the site administrator has approved the request, the student will be notified of clearance details.

Please bring the following items to your appointment:

1. Printed email verification stating Online Volunteer Application is approved
2. Application for Student Observation (Instructor signature must be on document)
3. Driver's License
4. Printed copy of Class syllabus indicating observation hours

*Please wait to sign signature lines

Please call and/or email Tracy Voigt or Dawn Maldonado to set up your pre-observation appointment.
[email protected]
Phone: 352-867-2141

[email protected]
Phone: 352-236-0577

Internship Placements

Students must work through the field placement liaison at their college or university regarding potential MCPS placements. Students are not permitted to contact the school or the Teaching and Learning Department directly to request placements.

University/College: Please complete the following tasks before applications are due.

1. Review the updated MCPS Internship Handbook.
2. Students need to complete the following forms:
   a. Criminal Background form
   b. College/University Application for Internship
3. Schedule a meeting/phone conference with Program Specialist Dawn Maldonado to review applications ([email protected] or 352-236-0577).
4. Student interns are responsible for contacting Employment Services Department (352-671-7572) at least 30 days prior to their internship start date to schedule their appointment.
   a. Background screening
   b. Drug screening

INTERN ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

MCPS currently maintains a standing partnership with the following institutions:

Institutions must agree to the district’s standard articulation agreement. This written agreement must be finalized before consideration can be given to full-time internship and student teaching placement requests.