Evaluating Teacher Internship Program in a Teacher Education Institution: A Proposed Mentorship Program

This study evaluated the teacher internship program of a teacher education institution by examining the self-reported teaching competencies, teaching confidence, and challenges encountered by graduating teacher interns. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational-comparative research design, the study involved 119 graduating BEEd and BSEd teacher interns who participated approximately one month before graduation. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire measuring teaching competencies, challenges encountered, confidence and preparedness, and recommendations for internship program improvement. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation, independent-samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Findings showed that the interns reported a very high level of teaching competencies (M = 4.53, SD = 0.72) and very high teaching confidence (M = 4.27, SD = 0.75), while challenges encountered were reported at a moderate level (M = 3.34, SD = 1.25). A statistically significant positive association was found between self-reported teaching competencies and teaching confidence (r = .606, p < .001). No statistically significant differences were found in teaching competencies or teaching confidence when respondents were grouped according to age. The findings also showed a statistically significant difference in teaching competencies by sex, while teaching confidence did not significantly differ by sex. Neither teaching competencies nor teaching confidence significantly differed according to academic program. Overall, the findings indicate that graduating teacher interns reported high levels of teaching competencies and confidence while experiencing moderate internship-related challenges. Based on these findings, a structured mentorship program is proposed to provide systematic guidance, feedback, and support during the teacher internship experience.

teacher internship, teaching competencies, teaching confidence, internship challenges

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