PACE - LCSC Education Division - Lewis-Clark State College

The PrincipalOrientating the InternThe principal or administrator appointed to place interns plays a vital role in orienting the internto the profession. A sense of awe for the “administrative role” is pervasive in the attitudes ofinterns. This feeling often produces anxiety if the administrator fails to point out the professionalrole of the intern. The awareness that interns are accepted as professionals reinforces thematurity and responsibility necessary to perform adequately.ResponsibilitiesAn adequate orientation to the building and district would include informing the intern aboutschool routines, requirements, faculty meetings, support services for students, and extracurricularinvolvements. Copies of building and district handbooks are helpful in orienting theintern to the school environment.Observing the intern on both a formal and informal basis is helpful, especially if constructivefeedback helps the intern progress. If several interns are placed in the same building, occasionalmeetings with the group are helpful for purposes of morale building and sharing of mutualconcerns. Principals are perceived as being crucial to the intern’s success, and a word ofencouragement from this influential observer is highly prized. Often, interns will request formalwritten recommendations by the principal for their placement file. The principal communicateshis or her perception of the intern’s progress to the on-site teacher educator on a regular basis.Problems should be reported to the college supervisor.33