UWM seeks candidates for MPS internship program

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will hold information sessions for candidates interested in working with special education students in an urban environment. The University’s program allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field to work as a special education teacher within the Milwaukee Public School District while earning certification.

Professional MPS teachers serve as mentors for two full years, allowing teacher candidates to gain a strong foothold before they become full-fledged teachers.

“Our successful graduates are individuals from 22 to 63 years old,” said Nancy Rice, PhD, an early adolescence-adolescence associate professor. “Their backgrounds have included education, business, psychology, social work, agriculture, and the military. They all share a strong commitment to helping students succeed, a willingness to learn, passion for working in urban communities, and a desire for a challenging career with the potential for personal and professional growth.”

Students who have gone through the program say they were appreciative of the advice and direction their mentor provided.

Roman Pikula was able to apply his bachelor’s degree in his special needs classroom at Vincent High School.

“I’ve been able to get grants to equip our classroom with a special computer, smart boards, and wheelchair accessible interactive learning stations,” he said. “We have the world at our fingertips and the rest of the class can see what we’re doing. Studying assistive technology and testing products totally broadened my horizons.”

“I love it. I really enjoy working with students,” said Wansheba Townsend, intern teacher at Fritsche Middle School. “I place them in situations where they are self advocates and learn to be productive citizens in their communities.”

The program begins with an intensive summer experience. Selected candidates will have an opportunity to student teach in an MPS summer school (or alternative site). The candidates will lead their own classrooms beginning in the fall. Successful intern   graduates have received an offer to become an MPS teacher with full salary and benefits.

The UWM/MPS Internship Program begins with completion of an application packet. Interested persons are invited to apply soon to have adequate time to complete all of the requirements of admission, including a pre-professional skills test.

Information sessions will be held the following dates:

To register or for more information visit the program website.