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School Psychology Internship

The Exceptional Children's Department views the internship as an integrative, structured learning experience that sets the foundation for future ethical practice and professional knowledge development. Interns are provided an opportunity to gain practical experience and develop competencies in an applied setting.

ACS strives to prepare the aspiring school psychologist to be a reflective practitioner and effective problem-solver in various areas of skill, practice, and application, capable of delivering a wide range of services. This is accomplished through exposure to broad-based experiences that reflect the varied functions and services the school psychologist provides to children, families, and school communities.

Opportunities are provided for the intern to pursue individual interests and research throughout the year. It is anticipated that this will lead to an area of concentrated study and specialty that would supplement the intern's general training. A comprehensive training plan is developed based on the individual intern's interests, experiences, competencies, and needs. The intern is expected to set goals that fit within the framework of the internship experience.

ACS emphasizes a developmental training and support model as the intern gradually transitions from student to practitioner. A large and experienced staff is available for mentoring and peer consultation, in addition to directed supervision provided through shadowing and modeling, observation and assessment of professional skills, and guided independent practice.

Internship Experiences

  • Assessment
  • Consultation
  • Counseling/interventions
  • Presentations/staff development
  • Development of professional resources

Organization of Intern Training Program

  • Orientation & transition to practice in the field
  • An organized sequence of activities under direct supervision
  • Opportunities for visits and rotations to special programs
  • Primary supervisor with additional mentoring and peer consultation
  • Assumption of major responsibility for one school at the start of the year
  • Individual supervision 2 hrs. weekly minimum
  • Reserved office time: reserved for case study/assessment group, visits to agencies/programs, speakers

Compensation

This position currently pays a stipend for the academic year. Additionally, the intern may be considered for employment the year following their internship, should a place become available. ACS reserves the right to extend such an offer based on the evaluation of the intern's performance and the supervisor's feedback. Email jessanderson@alexanderk12.nc.us for more information or if you have specific questions.

Application

Application materials include the following:

  • A letter from your program director confirming your eligibility and readiness for the internship
  • A letter of interest
  • A curriculum vitae/resume
  • A brief description of the applicant's training experiences
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A copy of graduate transcripts (s)

This information is all submitted by completing the ACS Internship Application.