At PSD, we’re passionate about preparing the next generation of professionals to support and uplift the Deaf community through immersive, hands-on experiences.

We offer a wide range of internship opportunities including student teaching, field experiences, and professional internships in both educational and non-teaching roles. Whether you’re pursuing a career in Deaf Education as a teacher or other related Deaf Education fields, our programs provide meaningful opportunities to grow and learn in a bilingual (ASL and English) environment.

As a college student, pre-service teacher, or professional in training, you’ll have the chance to observe, engage, and contribute alongside experienced mentors who are committed to your development. From fulfilling academic requirements to gaining real-world experience, you’ll build the skills, confidence, and cultural fluency needed to make a lasting impact in the lives of Deaf individuals and their communities.

Field Experience will include:

  • Stage 1 – Observation of veteran teachers: Observe skilled experienced Teachers of the Deaf to see how they create instructional plans, manage the classroom environment, deliver instruction, and demonstrate teacher professional responsibilities.

  • Stage 2 – Hands-on experience: Begin to teach small group activities

  • Stage 3 – Advanced hands-on experience: Teach individual and/or small groups, and the whole class.

  • Ongoing Support and Guidance: Move through these stages with the guidance and support of mentors and experienced teachers in an environment steeped in Deaf Culture and a true Bilingual approach to deaf education.

  • Philly Experience: – Get a real sense of Philly with a tailored local experience

Applications are now being accepted for the Deaf Education Field Experience, to be held at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf during the week of May, 2026. This experience, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, is open to students enrolled in Deaf Education programs in any location.

Activities will take place on PSD’s historic campus located in Germantown, Philadelphia, as well as at unique cultural and historic landmarks throughout the city. Through grant funding, PSD is able to cover the costs of housing and travel for qualified applicants. Qualified applicants are underrepresented individuals who are working on becoming teachers. Examples of underrepresented subgroups are Deaf, major racial and ethnic groups, low-income individuals and individuals with disabilities. Applicants who do not qualify for housing and travel funding may still be eligible to participate, so we strongly encourage anyone interested to apply.

This unique, week-long program will provide a high-quality, fully immersive field experience that offers students the opportunity to gain core competencies needed to become successful teachers of the deaf. This field experience will allow Teacher Prep Program students to participate in classrooms in a variety of ways, ranging from from initial observations at Stage 1 and progressing to fully teaching students at Stage 4. All of these experiences will expand prospective teachers’ comprehension of effective classroom practices and assist students into converting theoretical constructs into practical teaching strategies and methods.

If you are interested in a Student Teacher opportunity or want more information about Student Teaching with PSD.

All students who are currently enrolled in full-time Deaf Education programs are eligible to apply using the link below.