Kentucky Teacher Internship Program

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is proud to serve as a leader in teacher preparation. We understand that teacher education does not end with a degree. Once hired by a school district, new teachers face challenges that surpass the preparation afforded by their university coursework and early field experiences. To meet these challenges, the Kentucky General Assembly initiated the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) in 1985 and then, in 1990, supported KTIP further, through the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), which is housed right here in Frankfort, oversees and governs all aspects of Kentucky teacher certification, including KTIP.

Each new teacher must succeed in KTIP to become a certified Teacher in Kentucky. Early in the teacher’s employment, usually in the first year, KTIP provides the teacher the support of an individualized professional learning community, a “KTIP committee”, composed of the teacher’s principal, a local Resource Teacher, and a Teacher Educator. Each of the three committee members is an experienced professional, trained in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to mentor, supervise, and evaluate new teachers. With this support, the KTIP intern completes a comprehensive, year-long, Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) to verify her or his ability to

  • assess, analyze, and reflect on student performances
  • plan for, implement, and manage effective instruction;
  • collaborate to meet students’ learning needs;
  • reflect on the results of his/her teaching and plan for professional growth; and
  • demonstrate professional leadership.

KTIP Links