Every year, around the end of Winter, VTFT students begin their internships at middle and elementary schools in the community. These students assume the role of student-teachers while they’re away at internship during their VTFT class time.
“Being able to learn about the teaching profession from a seasoned teacher is such a great opportunity!” said senior VTFT I student Anna Gemberling.
This year, VTFT students began their internships in February, and they will continue until the end of April. VTFT students must teach four lessons throughout, and they must spend a full day at the school where they’re interning.
“As someone who doesn’t know what career I will have in ten years, this is such an amazing way to learn about what being a teacher is really like,” said senior VTFT I student Olivia Turner. “I love that we have the opportunity to explore internships.”
Students in VTFT have the option to teach at an elementary or a middle school in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Although they are students themselves, they still build connections as teachers with their students.
“I love when my students come up to me with drawings they want to share or random facts they have,” said Turner. “I have this one student who loves animals and wants to be a zoologist. Another tells me about Saturn and black holes.”
As student teachers, VTFT students receive a glimpse into the day-to-day problems faced by teachers and students. Their full day is required to give them the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a teacher.
“It’s hard to fit in my lesson plans and work around my intern teacher’s schedule because of how tightly packed everything is,” said senior VTFT student Mikayla McKenzie. “Internship is a new experience for both me and my intern teacher; however, we both equally struggle juggling our tasks.”
Though it can be tough to be both a student and a teacher, many VTFT students find joy in their internships.
“I get to see how these little humans are going to flourish into successful adults and successful lives,” said Turner. “It’s so amazing and I just try to help them the most I can.”
To learn more about VTFT and how to join the class, see Mrs. Stevenson or your guidance counselor.
