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The success of our Writing Center depends upon dedicated, enthusiastic people who care about becoming better writers and helping others to do the same.
That quality - of caring about how people think and how writers match their best words to their best ideas - is what defines a good writing consultant. Each year, teachers identify and recommend students who have displayed this quality in their classes. These students are invited to apply to the Writing Center internship program, which provides training and support for students as they work as writing consultants in the Shaker Writing Center.
Prerequisite
We welcome students in grades 9-11 to submit the required application by May 15, 2026.
Students must have two current teachers (including one English teacher) sign to recommend them.
Interns must have and maintain an overall GPA above a 90, with a semester average of at least a 93 in English.
English Internship: Writing Consultant Training (First Semester - ½ Unit)
English Internship: Writing Consultant Training (First Semester - ½ Unit)
Designed to train students in grades 9-12 to be a part of our student-run and student-staffed Shaker Writing Center, this internship is for students who are interested in helping to create an active community of writers at Shaker High School. Throughout the internship, students will write in a variety of genres, including creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and expository writing, with the goal of submitting their work to contests such as the Scholastic Writing Awards. After establishing a working knowledge of Writing Center theory and practice, interns will be expected to share and discuss their writing as they gain an understanding of how to run critical yet non-judgmental peer-to-peer writing consultations. In addition, interns will be expected to create resources for writers and to complete inquiry projects that continue to make our Writing Center an asset to the North Colonie community. Successful interns demonstrate a genuine interest in the craft of writing, the ability to self-motivate, a willingness to lead and participate in small and large group conversations, and an enthusiastic desire to help others express and reflect on their own ideas.
Upon successful completion of the training, interns may serve as writing consultants at the Shaker Writing Center.
Advanced Internship: Writing Center Project (Either Semester- ½ Unit)
Advanced Internship: Writing Center Project (Either Semester- ½ Unit)
Students in the advanced internship must have been successful in the first semester consultant training; they will work towards a self-selected writing goal, such as presenting a paper at the Secondary Schools Writing Center Association Conference or continuing to submit to writing contests. They will also serve as writing consultants and lead other consultants in the implementation of inquiry projects.
OVERVIEW OF THE INTERNSHIP
OVERVIEW OF THE INTERNSHIP
New interns will begin the semester by reading about and discussing writing center theory and practice. The Shaker Writing Center is based on ideals that exist in writing centers around the world, and it is important for all of us to have a strong sense of why we do what we do.
Using The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors and various articles, we will establish a foundation that we will use as we enter into peer-to-peer conversations about writing. As such, interns should see themselves first and foremost as writers. Each intern will be expected to select a writing contest or publication to use to inspire their own work and to share that work as the basis for our practice writing consultations.
Upon successful completion of the training, interns may serve as writing consultants at the Shaker Writing Center and will create and develop inquiry projects that continue to make our writing center a valuable and necessary resource in the North Colonie community. Examples of past inquiry projects include the creation of workshops (College Essay Writing, Resume Writing, etc.), collaboration with young writers (Creative Writing Club, the Young Writers Program, Breakout EDUs and GooseChases with elementary students, etc.), and activities based on Humans of New York and The Moth storytelling.
We encourage writing interns to register for both semesters if possible so that you have Writing Center time built into your schedule. Students who enroll in both semesters must maintain the GPA requirement and must meet the minimum requirement in internship hours in order to continue into the second semester. Students must also maintain the GPA requirement in order to continue on as writing consultants.
EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
show a genuine interest in writing and an enthusiasm about interacting with others
motivate yourself to follow your own lines of inquiry
listen patiently and thoughtfully to others
take on a leadership role, as outlined in the consultant contract
maintain an overall GPA above a 90, with a semester average of at least a 93 in English
adhere to the guidelines and rules set forth in the Shaker High School Code of Conduct
be available in the Writing Center a minimum of 50 hours for consultations and other Writing Center programs/projects
meet with the Writing Center director and intern group for a minimum of 25 hours of seminar classes per semester
submit a log outlining your consultations and seminar hours
participate in activities and workshops throughout the district
bring in students who are unfamiliar with the Writing Center
actively encourage students who have used the Writing Center to return
work to ensure that the Writing Center is relevant to and supportive of the work that Shaker student writers—at all levels and from all grades—are doing
Print, sign, and have a parent/guardian sign page 1, after you review the internship requirements
Print, answer the questions, and have two teachers sign page 2
Complete the writing sample
Use the Writing Center to get some feedback
Submit pages 1&2, along with your writing samples, in person to Mrs. Matrose in C208 by 5/15/26
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