An internship grant awarded to an Andalusia Middle School science teacher will add some needed relief at Andalusia Elementary School.

Joey Caldwell, who currently teaches 7th grade science, is pursuing a masters degree in instructional leadership and administration from Troy University. To complete the degree, Caldwell, who already holds a degree in administrative educational leadership, has to also complete an internship.

A new Alabama Department of Education program provides internships to help people like Caldwell gain experience before taking a job as an administrator. Caldwell pursued and was awarded the grant, and will soon begin an internship at AES, which is short an assistant principal after Donna Glisson resigned.

The internship funds a replacement for Caldwell so that he can work in an administrative role. The Board of Education approved his internship Tuesday night, and hired Amanda Brooks for his job for the remainder of the school year.