Empowering future leaders: A glimpse into San Juan Unified’s summer internship program

In Dyer-Kelly Elementary School’s third-grade summer school class, Sahil Malikzada, a 12th-grade student at El Camino Fundamental High School, helps Benyamin Rakhshani, an English learner, with understanding math concepts in Persian as a student intern this year. Only a couple of years ago, Malikzada was in Rakhshani’s shoes as a newcomer student adjusting to life in a new community and school.

San Juan Unified School District’s paid summer internship program provides upcoming high school students with a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience while making a positive impact on younger students during summer school. Over 150 high school students were hired as paid interns to work alongside summer school teachers to support the educational needs of young learners.

Student interns take on a variety of roles like leading small group activities, assisting with technology setup and preparing educational materials like visual aids and handouts.

Virginia Dorman, a teacher at Dyer-Kelly, explains that interns help keep the classroom running smoothly and develop essential skills such as project management and teamwork.

“Student interns significantly enhance classroom operations by providing instructional support and assisting with classroom management,” said Dorman. “This hands-on experience helps interns build confidence and create professional connections that could be valuable later in their careers.

”Melissa Oates, also a teacher at Dyer-Kelly, put emphasis on the positive impact interns have in the classroom learning environment.

“Interns help create a positive and interactive learning environment,” said Oates. “They provide one-on-one support to younger students, serve as role models and bring enthusiasm to the classroom, which can boost student engagement and motivation.”

Student interns have enjoyed working in summer programs as it has significantly helped them develop their personal and professional skills in a safe environment. “The internship gave me a teacher’s point of view, which helped me see that I might want to be into teaching,” said Euliyah Torres, a first-year intern. Torres is considering a career in teaching and finds that the internship gives her a better understanding of what the job might be like.

Jamal Hicks, principal at Dyer-Kelly, emphasized the importance of the internship program in preparing students for their future. “I look at [interns] as our future teachers, our future professionals,” said Hicks. He added that the program supports the broader goal of fostering a community where students learn to look out for one another and contribute positively to society.

The summer internship program at San Juan Unified is an important initiative for students, teachers, families and the community. It helps prepare the next generation of leaders and provides valuable support to younger students in the district.