Polk State Education Program uses internship program to help fill classrooms

Through its partnership with Polk County Public Schools, the Polk State College Education Program has found innovative ways to create opportunities and address teacher shortages.
One of these is the Temporary Teacher Internship Certification Pathway (ICP). Established in September 2023 by the State of Florida, the ICP Pathway serves students who are enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program but have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. If the student meets a set of state and College requirements, they can be hired as Polk County Public Schools teachers while completing their final internship toward a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Polk State.
“The ICP has been wildly successful,” said Gabrielle Crockett, a program participant. “It’s new, but a lot of teaching candidates prefer it to the traditional internship.”
Crockett is now working as a first-grade teacher at Spessard Holland Elementary School in Bartow. Despite still working toward a bachelor’s degree at Polk State, ICP participants receive full teacher pay and benefits.
“The interns, who have completed their internship via this pathway, have reported that although completing their internship this way was rigorous, it was completely worth it,” exclaimed Joanne Scharff, Polk State Professor of Education. “Polk County Public Schools appreciates that each semester, we fill approximately 10 to 15 classrooms with a Polk State College intern instead of a long-term substitute teacher or no teacher. It’s a win for our interns and a win for Polk County Public Schools.”
Polk County Public Schools has had more than 300 teacher vacancies each of the last two summers. Since its inception in the fall of 2024, more than 25 Polk State students have utilized the pathway, including 10 during the Spring 2025 Semester.
“After talking with friends at bigger universities, I’m glad I chose Polk State,” Crockett added. “What stands out to me is how small the classroom sizes are. You really get to know your professors. It’s a great program and super affordable.”
Crockett first enrolled in Polk State in 11th grade when she left George Jenkins High School for Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School. A member of the Florida Future Educations of America (FFEA) Club at Polk State, Crockett graduated from Lakeland Collegiate in 2023 with her Associate in Arts degree. She hopes to one day teach high school.
“I’ve always loved school and learning,” Crockett explained. “My mom always wanted to be a teacher, but she was told they didn’t make enough money, so she ended up going a different direction. She’s always been my biggest advocate.”
The starting salary for teachers in Polk County is currently $47,500 – higher than the national average. Polk County Public Schools provides increases and bonuses for additional degrees and certifications.
The Polk State Education Program integrates English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM); Exceptional Student Education (ESE); and Reading K-12 endorsements. This customized, standards-based approach is designed to provide graduates with a competitive edge in employment. Crockett offered advice for those enrolled or considering the program.
“Make a close friend your first semester,” Crockett advised. “It’s nice to have someone that you can go through the program together with and cling onto.”