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Experiential Learning and Internships

Students in the College of Education and Social Services (CESS) engage in a variety of high-impact experiences to discover their strengths and develop their professional skills at field sites reflecting the diverse cultures and backgrounds of our community.

Faculty and staff in the CESS work closely with students to help them identify and navigate opportunities aligned with their academic goals and personal interests. Real world experiences in the field prepare our students for immediate and long range success after graduation. 

Learn by Doing

Collectively, CESS students contribute 200,000 hours of service annually in the community through service-learning, practicums and internship placements with our field partners in variety of schools districts, social service agencies and other organizations. Here are a few examples highlighting our students' experiences.

Gaining Experience in the Field

Sam Joyner

Sam Joyner: Teaching Science

“I’m excited to start my career and look forward to inspiring the next round of scientists," said Sam about his career path. "My goal is to make chemistry fun, exciting, and attainable for all my students. All of the work that I have done here at ̽̽ really helped to shape me as an educator.”

Franky Bahati mentoring a student at Winooski Middle School.

Franky Bahati: Social Work

“I get to work with students who I watched grow up, set them up with mental health resources, and connect them to programs that allow them to grow," said Franky about her internship at Winooski Middle/High School. "My field instructors are awesome, and I have a strong relationship with the educators here." 

Paying it Forward

Taylor Mullen in her ̽̽ Women's Lacrosse jersey holding across stick forward and smiling.

Taylor Mullen: Human Development and Family Science

Taylor worked as a research intern working on the ̽̽ KID Study with Dr. Ellen McGinnis in the Larner College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. "Mental health is an issue impacting children in schools all over the country," said the student-athlete. "I want to be a conduit of support and care for students who need it."

Ella McCarthy teaching a student during her internship.

Ella McCarthy: Early Childhood Education

“We work with such diverse children and families and have grown to be a part of many school communities," said Ella about her variety of placements in the field. "The program puts a strong emphasis on family-centered learning. Professors and mentor teachers have made this experience the most fulfilling journey." 

̽̽ Senior Named Early Childhood Education Student of the Year

Ben Stewart and Colin Henke at the their student teaching internship at Burlington High School.

Ben Stewart: Secondary Education

"I am fortunate to work with a range of learners and a variety of different cultures and communities," said Ben about his student teaching internships at Burlington High School. “I recognize how important the teachers were at a crucial point in my life, and I want to help high school students who are at a pivotal point in their life."

Teachers Inspire
 
 

Student and Alumni News

12/06/2024

̽̽ Noyce Scholars Pursue Dream to Teach

05/18/2024

Pursuing Their Dreams and Fulfilling Our Mission

03/19/2024

Inspired to Serve

02/01/2024

Living Fully and Dying Prepared

01/24/2024

Inspiring the Next Generation

08/16/2023

̽̽ Alum Receives Prestigious Obama Foundation Fellowship

08/05/2023

Celebrating the CESS Class of 2023

05/24/2023

Building Inclusive and Civically Engaged Communities

04/20/2023

An Extraordinary Force of Goodness

03/29/2023

Paying It Forward

03/23/2023

Teachers Inspire

02/08/2023

Vermont School Leaders Awarded ̽̽ Doctoral Scholarships

02/02/2023

From STEM Scholars to STEM Educators

10/13/2022

̽̽ Senior Named VTAEYC Early Childhood Education Student of the Year

08/18/2022

̽̽ Internship Partnership Develops Geriatric Social Workers to Support Aging Population

05/12/2022

Celebrating Student Success

05/10/2022

Social Work Cohort Fosters Trust, Knowledge, and Growth

05/02/2022

Agents of Change in Education

04/18/2022

Carving Their Own Path of Success