LYNNFIELD — As more and more schools prepare for a full-time return to the classroom, a group of up to 19 Lynnfield High seniors is going back to school, but they won’t be sitting at desks in a classroom.
Instead, they will be going to the head of the class as interns under an educational internship program funded by the state Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE).
“It’s similar to student teaching at the college level,” said Lynnfield High School Assistant Principal Brian Bates. “The students will be working in all of the schools depending on their interests, which we will work on to find the best matches. It’s really a great program.”
Bates noted that approximately 800 students are currently participating in the program across the state.
As of Friday, 18 students had signed up to participate in the program, which began last week with four interns working at the Summer Street School, two at the Huckleberry Hill School and one more at the high school. Bates said the remaining 11 participants will begin their internships when the fourth quarter begins.
Senior Mike Dreher started his internship Friday in teacher Pat Lamusta’s freshman history class.
“I was lucky in that I had the option to go to the middle school or intern with my lacrosse coach, Mr. (Pat) Lamusta, so I chose to intern with him,” Dreher said. “To be able to be his right-hand man is super special and to be able to learn how he runs his classroom has been really informative so far and working with the kids has been fun.”
Due to a heavy AP course load and upcoming testing, Dreher is able to work only twice a week, but he expects to be in the classroom every day once the fourth quarter begins in early April.
Director of Teaching and Learning Kevin Cyr said the program is run in coordination with DESE’s Connecting Activities and Commonwealth Corporation’s Youthworks program, supported through the 16 regional MassHire Workforce boards. The total grant award received by the school is $30,780, which includes $25,650 for youth wages (at a rate of $13.50 per hour) with the balance reserved for fringe and administrative costs. Hours are capped at 100 per student.
Students will perform a variety of services, including as classroom aides and tutors, lunch and recess monitors, and mentoring.
“This is a win-win for the school community. What a tremendous opportunity for our seniors to get paid while pursuing their interests,” said Cyr. “This gives our seniors a leg up on postsecondary life — authentic job skills, including responsibility. We also need the help at the younger levels, especially as more students return to full in-person schooling.
“In recent years, we have been trying to place more older students in our buildings, and this program provided more incentive and opportunity to do so right now. It is remarkable how well our younger learners look up to and respond to the lead of our seniors. We have seen how mutually beneficial these relationships can be for both the student leaders and our younger learners.”
Dreher said getting a paycheck while performing a valuable service — helping students stay on track — is an added bonus.
“It certainly was a great incentive,” Dreher said. “But it’s not really about the money at all. I feel that being able to follow up with the students and monitor how they are doing is extremely helpful, not just for them but for Mr. Lamusta as well.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
