The Student Teacher Experience
Summerbridge student teachers are young, fun, creative, and motivated individuals, ready to take on the challenge of teaching in an educational program. They bring a variety of talents and backgrounds to the program, and common to all is a desire to help young people, a willingness to work in an intense and rewarding environment, and a commitment to both teaching and learning.
Learn to Teach
Student teachers experience the entire process of teaching: curriculum design, teaching, and assessment. Before meeting the students, student teachers participate in workshops and learn topics like lesson planning, English Language Development, and classroom management. Ongoing support and guidance is provided throughout the summer, to help student teachers become the best teachers they can be.
Give Back to the Community
Summerbridge students come from socioeconomic backgrounds where academic enrichment programs are not accessible or affordable. By becoming role models to those students, student teachers make a positive contribution and have a long-lasting impact on the local community. Many student teachers find this a rewarding experience, one that helps them realize the incredible change they can effect on society.
Develop Leadership Skills
Every student teacher plays a leadership role. Whether it's teaching students in a classroom or collaborating with other student teachers to plan events, student teachers learn and experience the organizational and communication skills that help them become leaders not just in the educational context, but also in their future studies and careers.
Take Ownership
The majority of the Summer Program is planned, administered, and executed by our student teachers. Not only do student teachers choose their subjects and teach their own classes, they also plan and facilitate large-scale activities for students. What students experience is greatly shaped by the passion of our student teachers, who inspire students to widen their eyes to countless possibilities.
Work with People from Around the World
Summerbridge student teachers are a diverse group. They come from different cultures and backgrounds, and compose a mosaic unique to each summer. Student teachers work together in an inclusive environment, experience cross-cultural interactions, and build friendships that last a lifetime.