Summer Internship Interview: Teddy James

What are your career goals and how did this internship help you in your path?
When I decided I wanted to pursue becoming a teacher, I was always told I was good about understanding people and teaching others about subjects, whether they wanted to learn about it or not. At SOU, I decided to get a minor in education and major in History. My career goal is to become a teacher but my goals may change with time.
This internship allowed me to explore different teaching styles, methods and see what a classroom would look like. I learned and observed from the side that I had not been on, the side of the teacher. I learned how former teachers may have dealt with difficult situations, how they educated students in general, and how to use a copier.

What type of internship did you participate in?
It was mostly keeping an eye on children, observing classrooms, and doing work for the teachers. I would get papers, supervise students, and help with lessons. The internship was at my previous high school and it was their summer program for middle schoolers. I worked four hours a day with multiple teachers for about five weeks.

How did you find this internship?
I reached out to them directly and they allowed me to observe the classroom.

What new skills did you gain?
I gained skills in notetaking, observation, making judgements and acting accordingly, defusing escalation, and office administration.

What was your proudest moment or greatest achievement during the internship?
My proudest moment was meeting my old teachers and having them see how much I have grown. I enjoyed being able to talk with them regarding my path as a teacher.

Advice for other students hoping to find an internship.
Just apply and ask about opportunities. Take advantage of the opportunity and go with what you feel is best for you in your educational career. You never know!