2027 Neil D. Prescott Student Teaching/Internship Application

2027 WSSRF Student Teaching/Internship Scholarship
Due April 1, 2027

The Washington State School Retirees' Association (WSSRA) invites prospective teachers and others in education-related fields to apply for the WSSRF Student Teaching/Intern Scholarship. This one-time scholarship is awarded to students who will be student teaching or conducting an internship during the 2027-2028 academic year.

In addition to teacher candidates, those planning to complete an internship as a counselor, physical/occupational/or speech therapist, social worker, or school psychologist and who are not currently employed in K12 schools may apply. Also, a paraprofessional who is enrolled in a teacher preparation program who plans to student teach in 2027-28 and who is employed as a paraprofessional during the 2026-27 academic year is eligible to apply.

Sixteen scholarships ($2,500 awards to be distributed across the eight WSSRA regions) will be awarded. Also, in each of WSSRA's eight regions, local WSSRA units may award additional scholarships.

Applicants Must:

(1) Be presently enrolled in a college of education or an education-related degree program (counseling, physical/occupational/or speech therapy, social work, or school psychologist); (2) planning to secure employment in a school district in Washington state; (3) be student teaching/interning during the 2027-28 academic year.
WSSR Foundation would like to share your application with the WSSRA unit in your area so that if you do not receive the WSSRF Student Teacher/Intern Scholarship, you may be selected as a recipient of a scholarship from the unit in your area.

I. Personal Data:

Tell us about yourself.
I am applying for
First Name
Middle Name
Last Name
Mailing Address
Mailing City
Mailing State
Mailing Zip
Email
example@example.com
Primary Phone Number
(Area Code) - Phone Number
Alternate Phone Number
(Area Code) - Phone Number
College or University:
Current Student ID number:
Occupational Field:
or Major(s) in your chosen educational field
I intend to pursue employment in Washington State school districts.

II. Verification of Readiness to Student Teach/Intern:

Please upload an official statement from your college, university or educational chair regarding your readiness to student teach or conduct an internship during the 2027-2028 academic year.
Upload verification here

Browse Files

Cancelof
Please use this map and select the area which will be the best fit for where you believe you will be fulfilling your student teaching/internship program. We use this information to determine which area to have your application reviewed.
If you know your student teaching/intern assignment for 2027-28, please list it here.
School District Grade Level Subject Matter

III. Statements:

Please respond to each of the following questions or statements in a manner that allows us to see your potential as an educator. Your responses in this section are vital to determining who will receive our scholarships.
We value your lived experiences and voice over borrowed AI content. We want to hear your authentic voice, motivation, and passion for pursuing a career in education.
Non-teacher applicants: When responding to these prompts, please substitute your chosen field of employment (for example, counselor, occupational therapist, social worker) for "teacher".
1. List and briefly describe your work experience, community activities, volunteer work, honors/awards, and/or leadership roles/activities during your college years. Please identify acronyms.
2. Who and/or what inspired or motivated you to become a teacher in Washington State? Describe a person, experience and/or a challenge that led you to pursue a career in education. Please respond within 300-500 words.

0/500
3. In your methods classes or classroom observations, describe one of your "aha" moments and how it will affect your teaching. Please respond within 200-300 words.

0/300
4. Share something about yourself that is not covered elsewhere in this application that you believe is important for the selection committee to know. Please respond within 100-200 words.

0/200
5. Describe your financial needs and/or other non-financial needs you are facing as you navigate your studies and internship. Please respond within 100-200 words.

0/200

IV. Letters of Recommendation:
Please upload three current letters of recommendation. At least one must be from a college instructor/advisor and one from a person outside of education. Family members or relatives should not be recommenders. The recommendations must address your potential for success in the field of education (work ethic, attitude, persistence, and/or communication skills).
1. Letter from College Instructor/Advisor

Browse Files

Cancelof
First Name Last Name Email Area Code Phone Number
2. Letter from Non-School Individual

Browse Files

Cancelof
First Name Last Name Email Area Code Phone Number
3. Third Letter

Browse Files

Cancelof
First Name Last Name Email Area Code Phone Number
V. Transcript:

Please upload your current transcript here:
Upload transcript

Browse Files

Cancelof
Upload transcript from a second college (if applicable)

Browse Files

Cancelof

VI. Recent Picture Plus Waiver and Release Form:

In the event you are awarded a scholarship, this form will be required in order for WSSRA to publish your name and photograph in our local newsletters and/or the WSSRA Journal.
Please submit a recent picture (photo must be from the shoulders up).

Browse Files

Cancelof
I hereby give my permission to the Washington State School Retirees’ Association/WSSR Foundation to use my name and/or likeness in media releases or news stories.

Signature of Applicant:

First Name* Last Name*

Date*
VII. Applicant's Signature:
By signing/typing your legal name in the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application. After you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Please print for your records and retain as verification of your application.
Signature
If you are selected as a recipient of a WSSRF Student Teaching/Intern scholarship you will be notified by mail from WSSRA in May with instructions on how to accept your scholarship. You will need to accept the scholarship by July 15 or the scholarship will be offered to the alternate. If you are not selected as a recipient, you will still be notified in May.
Below is an example of the rubric that will be used for scoring applications.
Should be Empty:

2027 WSSRF Student Teaching/Internship Scholarship

I. Personal Data:

II. Verification of Readiness to Student Teach/Intern:

III. Statements:

IV. Letters of Recommendation:

V. Transcript:

VI. Recent Picture Plus Waiver and Release Form:

VII. Applicant's Signature: