Arlington Public Schools is pleased to offer a comprehensive field experience program for aspiring school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. APS recognizes the value of internships and strives to create valuable experiences that benefit the intern as well as the supervising staff, creating paths for professional growth. Arlington is a mid-size, diverse community in a suburban/semi-urban setting. APS is a prevention-oriented district with a whole child philosophy. Counselor, social worker and psychologist positions are staffed at relatively low ratios in order to be supports and resources for all students, teachers, and parents.
Practicum and internship students are assigned to an APS staff member who works within the school setting, under the general supervision of the Office of Student Services in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Practicum and internship students are provided with diverse opportunities that prepare them for their future roles in public schools. Additionally, students in practicum or internship placements are able to access training and professional development provided to staff by APS.
Over 90 languages are spoken by the students and families within APS. Thus, there is an ongoing need to support students who are non-native English speakers. While this is not a requirement, practicum and internship students who speak multiple languages are encouraged to apply. APS Language Services Registration Center provides interpreters for staff, including interns, to communicate with families as needed. This can present an opportunity to learn the communication skills necessary to work with families via interpreters.