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Even in the midst of a pandemic, students at 91���� are finding ways to gain valuable work experience through hybrid internships.

Caitlin Migliore, a sophomore double-majoring in Spanish and literature, spent the fall 2020 semester interning with Catholic Schools of Broome County as a classroom assistant through the Center for Civic Engagement’s Youth Initiative. Throughout her internship, she worked virtually alongside a teacher to help monitor remote learners.

Migliore brought attention to the instructor when remote learners had questions, comments and concerns, ensuring that all students were engaged in discussions. She also read stories with the class, answered remote learners’ questions and workshopped students’ writing assignments.

The internship experience allowed Migliore to gain insight into the education field and the fast-paced changes students have been experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which she feels will be helpful in her plans to pursue a teaching career teaching the Spanish language.

Migliore gained practical knowledge that has helped her develop skills such as a “teaching voice,” which allows educators to actively engage students in lessons by adjusting tone and volume. She also believes she improved her leadership skills and ability to guide students through various individual and group activities, and to provide constructive and supportive feedback when grading.

“The growth I experienced throughout my internship was truly tremendous,” said Migliore. “I’ve learned how important it is to make each and every student feel valued and important with their comments. And you can learn a lot from the younger generations, as these youth are filled with lots of new and innovative ideas.”

After gaining this hands-on experience, Migliore hopes to continue her education, pursuing a master’s degree in adolescent Spanish teaching and become certified in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This certification would provide her with specialized training to work with learners who are non-native English speakers.

“My future plans extend into hopefully pursuing even more internship opportunities within the realm of education,” said Migliore. “I think it’s vital for me to get a full understanding of the educational setting before I dive right in.”

Migliore encourages her fellow students who wish to follow similar paths to find and apply to educational internship opportunities through 91���� and possibly pursue an education minor to further an understanding of school settings.

“There is a world of opportunity here to really feel out the teaching career path,” she said, “and my experiences have been nothing short of amazing and enlightening.”