MEDWAY — Medway High School Principal John Murray is pleased to share that several seniors completed a paid internship program this year giving them real-world experience in education careers.
Through the High School Senior Internship Education Project (HSSIEP), seniors interested in pursuing a career in education had the opportunity to take part in work-based learning experiences.
A total of 16 seniors participated this year and worked with teachers and students in grades pre-K-5 at Burke-Memorial Elementary, McGovern Elementary, Medway Middle School and the daycare program.
During their study blocks, the participating students went to their assigned school and worked as teachers’ aids in the classrooms. They assisted by providing academic support in areas such as math and in reading circles, providing social support, mentoring and tutoring, and monitoring lunch and recess.
The HSSIEP is a program of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Earlier this year, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded over $5 million in grants to 15 MassHire Workforce boards to support and pay seniors participating in the program.
The program aims to help accelerate the growth of the teacher pipeline in Massachusetts with a particular focus on increasing diversity, as well as improving educational outcomes for underserved students — particularly younger learners — due to the pandemic.
Medway High School also offered the opportunity during the 2020-21 school year during which seven seniors participated.
“It was great to see the growth of the program from last school year to this school year and to have twice as many seniors working with teachers and students in our other schools,” Principal Murray said. “This program is a valuable opportunity for seniors to explore education-related career pathways and to have real world experiences built into their school day.”
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