Five Stetson University graduating seniors who studied music education have successfully completed their Teacher Education internships in central Florida schools this spring.

Stetson’s Teacher Education internship program is designed to prepare students to work with diverse populations by allowing them to experience teaching first-hand with mentor teachers. The majority of the students do their senior internships in Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola county schools.

Internship opportunities are offered at the elementary, middle or secondary levels. Students begin their field experience with their very first education class and continue it throughout their time at Stetson. Students in the internship program gain real-world experience by being in the schools every day, all day, over 15 weeks – teaching, grading and planning for their classes.

“The internship is a culminating and capstone experience for our students,” said Stetson Education Professor Dr. Mercedes Tichenor, director of Student Teaching.

During their field work, students are able to link theory to practice. Including the full-time internship, they must take two classes connecting the coursework with their work done in the field.

Although it is a challenging program, students become equipped for their first year of teaching, Tichenor said. It is not unusual for students to be hired by the schools at which they did their senior internships.

Listed below are the students who completed the Teacher Education internship program this spring and will graduate from Stetson on May 12:

Blake Jones, Bachelor of Music Education-instrumental, interned atHinsonMiddle School inVolusiaCounty.

Rachel Sensenig, Sebring, Fla., Bachelor of Music Education-instrumental, interned at Teague High School in Seminole County. The daughter of Olivia Sensenig, she plans to teach at the middle or high school level.

Carl Shafer, Port Orange, Fla., Bachelor of Music Education-instrumental, interned at Winter Springs High School in Seminole County. Shafer is the son of Marilyn and Billy Mcintyre and Addison Shafer. He plans to teach music after graduation.

Kate Nadolny, Belleview, Fla., Bachelor of Music Education-vocal, interned at DeLand High School inVolusia County. The daughter of Thomas and Sandra Nadolny, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in vocal performance.

Shane Thomas, DeLand, Fla., Bachelor of Music Education-vocal, interned at Apopka High School in Orange County. Thomas plans to attend graduate school for a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. He is the son of Shannon Young.