This summer, The LAB Miami, The Knight Foundation, and Teach For America (TFA) partnered up and launched an internship program called Startup Summer. The program placed 11 local teachers during their summer break to work with Miami startups like LiveNinja, LearnerNation, and ClassWallet.com, among others. The idea is that they will take all of the lessons learned during their internships to the classroom.
We spoke to some of the teachers to hear about what their experience was like:
“Visions are important for success, but this experience has solidified the importance of strategy in achieving those visions. A grand idea without a master plan and proper execution is nothing more than mental gymnastics.”
– Matt Campbell
“Now at this point, I’ve been a jack-of-all trades.”
– Diego Lugo, TFA alum
“In the words of McDonalds’ theme song, I’m lovin it sums up my internship experience so far.”
– Rosie Justilien, TFA alum
“In my opinion, the best internships offer evolving responsibilities so that the intern has the opportunity to build different skills. That said, one of the things I appreciate most about my internship…”
– Joan Larbi, TFA alum
A video featuring all teachers in the current cohort was shared and featured on The Knight Foundation’s blog:
Following the summer internship, corps members and alumni will participate in Design Camp, learning the principles of entrepreneurial and design thinking, and how to apply those to the issues and problems facing our kids and their communities.
Editor’s note: Tech Cocktail received a $150,000 grant from the Knight Foundation.