During Intersession, Field students intern at local organizations or companies outside the D.C. Metro Area. Current 10th grader, Siena, interned at Lafayette Elementary School in D.C., assisting art teachers in their classes. Keep reading to learn more about some of the biggest challenges she faced, while working in the classroom.
Q. What was appealing about this internship?
“The most appealing thing about my internship was seeing how art gave students a voice. Art allows students to express their emotions and thoughts visually. Seeing a student light up because all of their ideas are valued can be very motivating and is a reminder that art can reach students in special ways.”
Q. Describe your typical responsibilities each day.
“During my internship, I helped prepare the classroom each day by setting up materials and creating a welcoming space for students to make art. Throughout class, I supported students by answering questions, and helping them work through challenges. After each class, I also helped clean and organize the room so it remained a great place for learning. One of my favorite activities was the “studio sprint,” where students rotated through different stations to try new art techniques. I mainly worked at the printmaking station, where I carefully guided students through the process. This experience taught me the importance of patience, organization, and clear communication. It showed me how art can build confidence and curiosity in young learners."
Q. What was your favorite moment or biggest accomplishment?
“One of my biggest accomplishments was seeing a student gain confidence in their creativity. So many students were eager to participate during class and show off their work to their peers. Seeing the joy and confidence made the overall experience very rewarding.”
Q. What is the most important thing you learned during this experience?
“The most important thing I learned was how to create a safe and encouraging environment for the students. I also learned that preparation was so essential to a smooth unfolding of the day.”
Q. What surprised you most about this experience?
“Something that surprised me most about my internship was how much planning and coordination were required to run an art classroom smoothly. It also showed me how much attention and flexibility are needed in order to handle difficult situations.”
Q. How has this internship influenced your future plans or interests?
“This internship has influenced my future plans by showing me what it’s like to work as an art teacher for elementary schoolers. There are many skills that I will take from my internship to apply to my daily life. It is a solid data point for me as I decide the career I would like to embrace.”
