1. Quality instruction:

• Experienced educators
• Experienced administrators
• Experienced university professors
• Alternative certification program specialists
• Award-winning teachers that lead instruction:

  Intel Foundation “Innovations in Education”, first place winner, $37,000 for improved access to technology for minority students

  Compaq Grant Winner “Innovative Teaching with Technology” with students producing technology-based products for science lessons

  Advanced Micro Devices $10,000 technology grant for classroom Internet connections, helping network and providing internet access in all science classrooms

  College Board-endorsed Pre-Advanced Placement Middle School trainers

  Teachers of the Year at Campus Level

  Distinguished Educator of the Year

  Austin Area Gifted and Talented Association, Secondary Teacher of the Year

  Who's Who Among America's Teachers

President of Magnet Schools of Texas

White House Committee for Children and Youth

American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence, Contributing Test Writer and Editor for national teacher certification program

• Department Chairs
• Science, Math and Technology Magnet Director
• Experienced test authors for multiple private companies
• Authors of curriculum guides widely used in school districts throughout the nation
• Presentors at national and international conferences

2. Early access to schools:

• providing interns opportunities to work with experienced teachers in the classroom
• providing interns opportunities to tutor students with TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills)
• providing interns with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with local, state and federal guidelines for schools
• observing hands-on activities in a classroom with an experienced teacher

3. Course work training:

• content class integrated with instructional strategies
• practice teachings of the content under the supervision of the instructors
• learning logistical management strategies in hands-on activities
• developing a professional portfolio
• use of technology in educational settings
• individual conferences on professional portfolios, resume writing and interviewing skills

4. Support and collaboration:

• ongoing professional development and communication
• continuous mentoring and coaching during internship year
• scheduled meetings with mentor teachers and school administrators to assess progress
• continuous written appraisal and feedback (PDAS: Professional Development and Appraisal System) and/or TxBESS (Texas Beginning Educators Support System)

5. Support in finding an internship:

• forming school partnerships for our interns
• providing interview skills training as well as resume writing