Freedom Schools Servant Leader Intern (Sli) 2026
About The Position
The Children’s Defense Fund’s Freedom Schools program is a direct service initiative coordinated nationally by the Children’s Defense Fund in partnership with local community organizations. It is an educational and cultural enrichment program that provides summer options for children and strengthens family and community involvement. DECA’s Freedom School site serves children in grades kindergarten through eight for six weeks. The activity based Integrated Reading Curriculum, which is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, integrates reading, conflict resolution, and social action, and is designed to promote social, cultural, and historical awareness. A multi-year assessment of CDF Freedom Schools program sites continuously demonstrates the effectiveness of the Integrated Reading Curriculum, which has proven to avert children’s summer learning loss in reading achievement. College-age young adults and recent college graduates play a key role in the CDF Freedom Schools program in the position of Servant Leader Intern. Each CDF Freedom Schools Servant Leader Intern serves as the teacher for a maximum of 10 students. Servant Leader Interns have access to further leadership development and networking opportunities geared toward continued direct service and advocacy on behalf of children and families.
Requirements
- Valid Ohio Educational Aide/Student Monitor Permit
- Must have completed at least one year of college and have plans to complete the college degree
- Exhibit positive behavior and attitude; model a mature and professional demeanor
- Possess excellent written and verbal skills
- Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history and the willingness to be open and respectful of other cultures
- Maintain or have graduated with a 3.0 GPA
- Effective interpersonal skills with children and adults
- Ability to motivate others and work as part of an intergenerational team
- Sound classroom management skills
- Ability to improvise and work through uncertainties
- Collegiality and an eagerness to participate in student-centered school activities are essential
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Excellent problem‐solving skills
Responsibilities
- Supervise and maintain safety of students at all times
- Set up, manage, and break down classroom space according to standards developed by CDF
- Engage a maximum of 10 students per class in the Integrated Reading Curriculum as outlined in the guide provided by CDF
- Attend all required trainings
- Maintain the safety of all students at the site
- Serve as Harambee leaders, afternoon activity facilitators, and field trip chaperones
- Collaborate with other staff to establish and maintain a supportive and structured environment for the students entrusted in their care
- Report any issues or concerns regarding students in the program to the Site Coordinator
- Implement the CDF Freedom Schools Integrated Reading Curriculum with fidelity
- Serve as positive role model for students
- Develop meaningful, appropriate relationships with each student and his/her parent/guardian
- Celebrate student accomplishments
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Project Director and/or Site Coordinator
- Strives to continually improve professional competence.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
