THE INTERNSHIP YEAR

When Spartan teachers achieve certification, they have already spent more time teaching than peers from most universities. They have led one classroom through the joys and challenges of a full school year, with a mentor teacher by their side.

Michelle Odinma completed her internship at Detroit's Maybury Elementary, a vibrant, low-income school where she witnessed the gradual – and sometimes daily – transformations students experience through their learning. Meanwhile, she took master's level courses and continued improving her teaching methods with support from a field instructor.

"If I could describe this one year with one word, I would say "rigorous." But I have loved every minute of it. I think the experience is really going to prepare me for what's next."