The University of Tennessee fifth year teaching program in a small rural school system

Teacher preparation institutions across the country are being scrutinized for the quality of the teachers completing their training programs. This study focuses on one specific group of students completing The University of Tennessee fifth year teacher preparation program. The participants in this study are the interns preparing in a small rural school system identified as the K - 12 Rural Schools Teacher Preparation Program. This study examined the preparedness for the present teaching position being held by the former teaching interns. The literature review, the intern survey and follow up interviews provided data on preparedness for the present teaching position and the factor having the most influence on their present practices in the classroom.