A generous grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust is allowing Clackamas Education Service district to help some aspiring teachers move along their pathway to the classroom.
The grant, secured by the career pathways program within Clackamas ESD’s human resources department, is funding a paid internship program in collaboration with Clackamas ESD’s summer school program for migrant youth. High school students from districts participating in the migrant summer program who complete a Clackamas Community College advanced college credit class are eligible to apply for the internship. Selected students will become teaching assistants during the 2025 summer school, with dedicated teacher mentor support. This year, Clackamas ESD will support three interns, provide mentor stipends, and facilitate working lunches to allow mentors and interns to meet and coordinate efforts for a successful classroom experience.
“The paid internship program aligns with research on building a strong teacher pipeline, which begins in high school with strategies such as dual enrollment credit classes, mentoring and early exposure to the teaching experience,” said Silvana Balladares, Clackamas ESD’s career pathways manager.
The MMT grant also is funding a residency program, beginning spring 2025, that will support eight Clackamas ESD employees on their pathway to becoming licensed educators. The wraparound support offered includes assistance with college tuition/fees and testing fees, additional stipends and dedicated support from a mentor teacher.
