Teaching Tomorrow Internship

As program interns, students aged 16-19 will play an exciting role in supporting classrooms within Seattle's vibrant and diverse early learning and school-age programs.

• Paid Internships & Career Exploration Opportunities : Students are compensated to gain training and experience in early learning classrooms while still in high school. They develop transferable skills and explore education-ajacent careers in Early Learning through field trips to UW-affiliated organizations, such as the Haring Center for Inclusive Education, Islandwood, and the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences. (I-LABS).
• Paid Orientation & Internship Training: The internship program will pay for and arrange all training and orientation that will help interns understand and meet pre-service requirements.
• Mentorship: The intern cohort will collectively gather at the University of Washington offices on Fridays during the summer of 2025 to be mentored by UW faculty, staff, and students. These sessions will focus on providing guidance on educational justice, identity and skill development, career exploration and leadership.
• Hands-On Experience: During their time in the classroom, interns will develop skills to actively contribute to creating inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning environments. Interns will gain practical expertise in child development and classroom management, equipping them to become advocates for positive change.
• Service-Learning Hours: Interns will have supervised opportunities to earn service-learning hours while exploring their interests and curiosity to solve problems within the community.
• Pathways to a 2- and 4-year degree: The program will offer academic support to help participants explore options to obtain entry-level credentials. These opportunities include the Seattle Promise scholarship, available to graduates of Seattle public high schools, and the Early Learning Equity Scholarship through the University of Washington’s Early Childhood Education program.

After our cohort of fifteen (15) students has been selected, orientation, job-readiness training, and other requirements must be completed. The program will pay for and arrange for this to be completed as a cohort. 

Pay
$20 per hour will be paid to all accepted student participants, on a regular pay schedule.

Intern Placement 
Students will be assigned placement after required training has been completed at one of our partner programs: 

• Hoa Mai Preschool: 2915 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144. Hoa Mai is a bilingual English-Vietnamese program serving preschool children (1 - 4 years old).

• Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from internship sites. (Youth ORCA cards will be provided.)
• Commitment: Interns must be available to commit to the program's duration, including workshops on some Saturdays.  Some flexibility to accommodate students’ extracurricular schedules during the academic year is possible.
• Time Off: Interns may take unpaid time off during their internships, as long as dates of absence are shared at least 3 weeks in advance with site supervisors. Some flexibility to accommodate students’ class schedules and regular academic breaks is possible.
• Training Dates: As part of the program, interns must participate in three mandatory program events.
  • Saturday, March-TBD Orientation & Pre-Service Training- 2 days
  • Saturday, April -TBD (9:30 am- 3:30pm) Teacher Meet & Greet Orientation at Placement Site- after school
• Eligibility: Students who apply must be at least 16 years old by January 1, 2025, and attend a City of Seattle public high school.

What will you experience as an Intern?

We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic high school students to intern at high-quality, culturally- inclusive early childhood programs. As an intern, you will play a vital role in supporting the learning and development of children aged 3-6 years old.

Responsibilities can include:

• Classroom Support: Assist teachers in implementing lesson plans that promote bilingual education in Vietnamese and ensure a culturally responsive learning environment. Engage actively with young learners, providing one-on-one or small group support. Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages children's curiosity, creativity, and social development.
• Language Support: Collaborate with teachers to create age appropriate, bilingual learning resources and materials. This position does not require you to speak Vietnamese
• Collaboration: Participate in team meetings and collaborate with teachers to enhance the overall learning experience.
• Classroom Organization: Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe learning environment. Support in the setup and preparation of materials for daily activities and lessons.
• Cultural Inclusivity: Assist in organizing culturally relevant content into activities and lessons. Assist and support cultural events or activities that promote an understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese heritage among students.
• Community Engagement: Assist in organizing and participating in school events. Foster positive relationships with lead teachers, support staff and fellow interns.