PedsAcademy®

Abstract

This chapter describes PedsAcademy®, a unique partnership between the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children's Hospital, which employs a collaborative clinical internship model to develop teacher candidates. Since the Fall of 2018, over 100 interns have participated in this Professional Development School where interns teach patients bedside and facilitate PedsAcademy® programs and events. Data collected shows that PedsAcademy® is mutually beneficial to all stakeholders. Utilizing coaching, performance feedback, embedded professional development, and reflection, PedsAcademy® has specifically facilitated the development of teacher candidates in the areas of teacher empathy, making accommodations and modifications, adaptability (or flexibility), self-confidence, and implementing professional development which has impacted their overall teacher identity. The PedsAcademy® internship has enacted the AACTE's Clinical Practice Commissions' skills and empowerment proclamations, offering interns an opportunity to practice the skills of teaching in an alternative placement.