CPS Students Get Real-life Teaching Experience at The Partners Program

Teachers aides coach and mentor students.

Thirty current and recent CPS graduates are participating in The Partners Program as teachers aides this summer. This is the 20th year that The College Preparatory School has provided a four-week, tuition-free summer session of academic enrichment to encourage and reinforce scholastic achievement among underserved Oakland public-school students. The Partners Program, located on the campus of The College Preparatory School, enrolls academically capable, economically disadvantaged children in the Oakland area, grades 7-9, in four-week summer sessions to develop solid academic foundations that will allow them to thrive through high school and beyond.

The program offers:
• four-week academic sessions for three consecutive summers, augmented by monthly classes and regular e-mail assignments during the academic year.
• an unparalleled environment for learning, with access to laboratories, computer facilities, an excellent library and the beautiful CPS campus,
• a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio, creating small, intimate classes and a closely knit atmosphere.
• the nurturing of intellectual curiosity, self-confidence and appreciation for others to help students develop, value and cherish the power of their understanding,
• a combination of basic skills and enrichment activities in literature and composition, science, math, art, dance and drama,
• classes taught by regular CPS faculty members with CPS students and Partners Program alumni as teaching assistants.

Students are taught, coached and mentored by a combination of CPS and non-CPS teachers assisted by CPS student TA’s providing a 3-1 student-teacher ratio.  As Rebecca Freeland, a CPS alumni and past TA, said, “I learn as much as I teach. The students have determination and energy that are inspiring.” Many CPS students have learned a love of teaching through Partners. Both the students and the TA’s gain a much broader perspective as they build friendships with people from different backgrounds. This mutual building of trust and understanding, which so greatly enhances the program, is carefully considered by Partners director Cynthia Geddes in every aspect of the program’s design. The TA’s and students play various games and sports at lunch break, with participation mandatory. These activities further build relationships. The graduation, at the end of the summer, includes a celebration of every student's personal triumphs.

For more information: www.college-prep.org/Partners
The Partners Program is a community-based non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.