Kutztown University Launches Internship Program for Employees of Local School Districts Pursuing Certification

May 24, 2021
Old Main

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University is proud to be the first Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education institution to offer a special education PreK-12 internship program for individuals who are employed in a school district surrounding Kutztown and who have passed their PRAXIS exams. This allows individuals to pursue their certification while maintaining their current employment.

The internship program is part of KU's post-baccalaureate special education preK-12 certification. To be qualified to student teach while employed, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Have an intern certificate in the certification area being sought.
  • Be currently employed in a one year/full-time teaching position that includes the semester of student teaching as the teacher of record in the certification area being sought.
  • Passing score on the special education PreK-12 certification test is required in order to be eligible for the Intern program.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in an undergraduate program and post-baccalaureate coursework.
  • Employed in a school determined by the department to be a reasonable distance from Kutztown University.
  • The employing district must be willing to appoint a mentor to conduct observations during the semester, provide mentoring and feedback, and provide evaluations of the clinical experience in the Special Education PreK-12 setting.

Teacher candidates enrolled will achieve all PDE and CEC competencies to teach students with disabilities, prekindergarten through grade 12, or up to 21 years of age, and complete various courses that will benefit their focus in the field of special education. This certification does not require certification in an additional content area.

With the addition of the 30-credit special education post-baccalaureate preK-12 certification program, Kutztown University enhances the already robust and award-winning selection of graduate education programs and courses that are offered in a flexible format. This program may be completed in 18 months by taking winter and summer courses.

All courses are completed online with exception of the final clinical experience in special education. This cohort-based model builds professional and personal networks between students as they begin coursework together during the same fall semester and collaborate on various projects throughout the program.

Learn more on the Special Education website or by contacting 610-683-4290 or brawand@kutztown.edu.