Students of all majors to be considered for paid positions on STREAM Team
Kimberly Campbell, a recent UWA graduate, worked in University Charter School’s after school program while completing her undergraduate degree. She also served as a substitute teacher following graduation in December of 2018. Campbell joins the UCS faculty for the 2019-2020 academic year as an elementary teacher.
Students at the University of West Alabama are being offered part-time job opportunities to help lead after school programs at University Charter School for the upcoming academic year. The opportunity is open to students in any academic major, and opportunities will be based on their areas of experience.
UCS, now approaching its second academic year, has a thriving after school program that provides additional learning experiences for students each afternoon. It is offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m. On Wednesday, an abbreviated class schedule day for UCS, the after school program meets from 1:00 until 5:30 p.m.
UWA students who are selected for the program will be responsible for planning and implementing engaging lessons and activities for students ranging from pre-k through ninth grade. In its first academic year, UCS offered instruction through eighth grade, and the five-year plan is to add a grade each year.
“The after school program is an experiential learning opportunity for our young students at UCS and also for college students at UWA,” explained Jessie Johnson, program coordinator. “The activities of our after school program align with our STREAM curriculum, which provides innovative learning in science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics. We want to give our students hands-on opportunities and expose them to as many ideas and approaches as we can to ensure that they have the highest possible success rate in learning beyond mere objectives.”
The program is mutually beneficial for UWA students as experiential learning. While education majors are strongly encouraged to apply, students in all majors can be considered. In addition to gaining experience, UWA students can earn a paycheck.
“Having the enthusiasm and excitement that college students bring to the program takes it to the next level for the younger students while the opportunity helps college students to find their path in education and community involvement and creates real employment opportunities for them,” said UCS Head of School Dr. J.J. Wedgworth.
The after school program is designed to offer enrichment for students while also supporting parents in the community who need school care for their children until the end of the typical work day at an affordable rate. Incorporating curriculum allows the school to further its mission and provide a program that promotes critical thinking, improves test scores, sharpens skills, builds knowledge, and even boosts overall self-esteem.
“We’ve had some unique opportunities in our first year through the after school program to partner with local organizations and groups to give students experiences that they probably would not have on a regular basis,” Wedgworth said. “A typical afternoon includes academic tasks, allowing students to seek help with homework and read, then STREAM activities ranging from robotics, fine arts, technology, and more, and finally kinesthetic activities for students to enjoy team sports, exercise and physical activities.”
UWA students who are interested in employment opportunities with the UCS after school program should email a resume to jjohnson@universitycharterschool.org.