Reading Specialist Internship
As a selected participant in the University of Pittsburgh's Reading Specialist Internship Program, I was afforded the opportunity to work as a reading specialist intern in the Seneca Valley School District. I followed the school district's calendar while simultaneously completing graduate level coursework through the University of Pittsburgh. This unique program allows participants to complete a Reading Specialist Certificate within one year. My certificate will be completed in August 2011.
Over the course of the year, I studied the five essential components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). After learning about research-supported best practices, I was able to apply the new knowledge in my practical placement. During my internship, I provided Title I reading instruction to kindergarten through third grade students, using both pull out and push in techniques. When pulling out small groups, my instruction focused on decoding and comprehension skills, often through the use of guided reading. Pushing into classrooms allowed me to assist in literacy centers and Writer's Workshop.
As a Title I reading intern, I became very familiar with the Response to Intervention and Instruction model. I was able to observe Tier 1 interventions in the classroom, implement Tier 2 interventions through Title I services, and implement Tier 3 interventions through the use of Fountas and Pinnell's Leveled Literacy Intervention system.
