TYPES OF INTERNSHIPS

Internships, practica, and field experiences have been touted as essential to prepare effective school leaders. Borrowed from the field of medicine, educational leadership internships are intended to help practitioners gain experience near the completion of their formal preparation (Milstein, Bobroff, & Restine, 1991). Over the years, a variety of internship formats have evolved, but research has not kept pace. This research gap suggests an urgent need to address whether and how field experiences provide the time, rigor, or relevance needed to influence aspirant leaders ’ actions and attitudes