In the West Valley School District, the classroom is a place to learn, grow, connect, and inspire.  And at Cottonwood Elementary, that is exactly what is happening for West Valley High School student Valeria Sanchez.

Valeria is part of WVSD's Early Childhood Education Student Internship program. Through this program, West Valley High School students step into real elementary classrooms and work alongside West Valley teachers. Fifteen high school students have been placed with elementary teachers this year.  Valeria was placed with first-grade teacher Leah Meiser.  Since then, she has become a true part of the Cottonwood community.

Every day, Valeria works with a small group of first graders on reading and math. She helps students sound-out words, practice new sight words, and build skills one step at a time. She also brings a special gift to the classroom with her knowledge of Spanish, which has helped our multi-language learners feel seen and supported.

"Knowing that some students may be a bit more reserved than others, but still having them open up to me, makes my heart so warm," said Valeria.

The students are not the only ones who have noticed her impact.  Mrs. Meiser has seen Valeria grow into a natural teacher. "She automatically finds the kids who need the most support and guides them in their learning," said Mrs. Meiser. "She already is an amazing teacher."

For Valeria, the experience has been life-changing.  She hopes to one day become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist.  Her internship in Early Childhood Education at Cottonwood has shown her how powerful it is to work with children in their earliest years of learning.

"'Ah-ha' moments happen every day, and all the time," Valeria shared. "I am beyond amazed at how the teacher's life really is.  The most rewarding moments are making connections with such amazing students and teachers.”

High school teacher, Rebekah Freisz, who coordinates the internship program, sees the value for the school district and all its students. "I think it is so valuable to bridge the gap between grade levels," she said. "Our littles can see big kids working towards a realistic goal, and maybe that will inspire them to work hard at becoming whatever they want to be in the future."

The Early Childhood Education Student Internship program is one example of how West Valley Schools prepare students for their futures. It gives high school students a real-world look at careers in education and early learning.  It also gives elementary students more one-on-one support and provides them a caring role model in their lives.

Valeria said it best: "This experience has fulfilled me with new knowledge and lots of love. I will carry these memories I am making with me always."

The West Valley School District is proud of Valeria Sanchez, Mrs. Meiser, Mrs. Freisz, and every student and teacher who makes this learning possible.  This program is a great example of West Valley’s “Culture of Excellence” in action.