USCB Student Teachers Complete Internships at Bridges Preparatory School
Five ƹƵ Beaufort student teachers recently completed the culminating experience of their teacher preparation program, finishing a full-semester internship at Bridges Preparatory School.
Sand Sharks Kyndell Maree, Shirley Vasquez Rodriguez, Alyssa Roberts, Marissa Lally, and Eli Smith spent the semester applying educational theory in real classrooms under the guidance of university faculty and public-school educators. Through the internship semester, student teachers spend time with certified Bridges mentor teachers at different grade levels. By the end of the semester, the student teachers teach lessons on their own.
The student teaching internship helps future teachers develop essential skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, and differentiated instruction while working with diverse learners. The experience prepares candidates to meet South Carolina Teaching Standards and fosters their growth as reflective, effective educators.
Bridges Preparatory School Director of Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah Moore says student teaching is a critical component of educator preparation because helps develop confidence, instructional skill, and professional judgment in future teachers.
"Student teachers benefit our classrooms by providing additional instructional support, fresh perspectives, and increased opportunities for small-group instruction," she said. "Students benefit from enhanced attention, varied teaching strategies, and strong role models committed to learning and growth. We are so grateful for our partnership with USCB and look forward to welcoming new interns every semester.”
All five teacher interns graduated from USCB in Dec. 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education — except Maree, whose degree is in Early Childhood Education. All five succeeded on their Praxis exams and have been recommended for teacher certification through the South Carolina Department of Education.
According to Amy Kunkle, Ed.D., accreditation coordinator and assistant professor in USCB’s Education Department, the partnership with Bridges Preparatory School provided an exceptional learning environment.
“Our students truly flourished at Bridges, supported by dedicated cooperating teachers and staff who welcomed them into Professional Learning Communities and Induction trainings,” Kunkle said. “They were given exceptional opportunities for additional observations with both the principal and the director of elementary and secondary learning. My impression of Bridges is that it is not just a school, but a community deeply committed to the well-being and education of every student, thoughtfully designed to meet their individual needs.”
Some of USCB's best students choose to study education.
Shortly after completing her student teaching, Vasquez Rodriguez served as the Fall 2025 Commencement student speaker for USCB. Originally from Puerto Rico, she moved to Hilton Head Island in 2014. At USCB, she served on the executive board of the Voices of Diversity student organization, where she helped promote cultural representation and encouraged meaningful conversations that brought students together.
Her student teaching experience reflected that same commitment to inclusion.
“My work at Bridges as a student teacher in 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th grade allowed me to bring that same passion for inclusion and creativity into the classroom,” Vasquez Rodriguez said. “I hope to inspire my students to believe in themselves, stay curious, and embrace learning in all its forms.”
Vasquez Rodriguez has accepted a full-time teaching position at Bridges Preparatory School, where she will teach sixth-grade math. Maree is returning to Rock Hill, South Carolina, while Roberts is relocating to Georgia. Lally and Smith are actively pursuing teaching positions in the Lowcountry.
USCB offers student teaching internships during both fall and spring semesters and continues to strengthen its partnerships with local districts.
Bridges Preparatory School served as the exclusive site for USCB student teacher interns in 2025. Previous semesters included placements across Beaufort County schools. Looking ahead, six interns will be placed at Bridges Preparatory School for the Spring 2026 semester, while Beaufort County School District will host practicum students. All student teachers next semester will again be placed in a cohort at Bridges.
Through strong community partnerships, USCB will continue to prepare future educators who are enthusiastic, classroom-ready, and committed to student success.
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CW 12/16/25