Paid Teaching Internship – Harlingen, Texas

A unique and immersive paid teaching internship designed to provide undergraduate students in the College of Education the opportunity to study, live and work in Harlingen, Texas.

Students accepted into the internship program will gain valuable, real-world experiences in Harlingen CISD classrooms and volunteer at United Way community nonprofits during the Summer 2027 internship session.

The HEHH summer internship has required virtual and in-person components in the spring and early summer of 2027.

Accepted students will receive a confirmed list of required activities by March 5.

Students will also participate in required virtual preparation activities with the cohort and HEH course instructor before and after the five (5) weeks in Harlingen. Interns will be asked to complete written assignments designed to reflect on their personal learning and career goals, as well as how the HEHH internship connects to them. All assignments must be completed by July 2.

Students must live and work in Harlingen, Texas for from Monday, May 31, 2027 (move-in) through Saturday, July 3 (move out).

While dates and activities are still being finalized, a likely schedule is:

• Required HCISD orientation will occur in May 2027. Classroom internship placement begins the same day and runs through July 2.  
• Internship hours: Monday – Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Fridays from approximately 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• A South Padre Island celebration trip is scheduled for Friday, July 2, 2027.

Students will also participate in required virtual preparation activities with the cohort and HEH course instructor before and after the five (5) weeks in Harlingen. Interns will be asked to complete written assignments designed to reflect on their personal learning and career goals, as well as how the HEHH internship connects to them. All assignments must be completed by July 2, 2027.

Working closely with dedicated HCISD teachers, HEHH interns will provide accelerated reading and math support to elementary students through fun, engaging summer activities aligned with effective instructional practices daily, M-Th, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

On Fridays, students will participate in additional, half-day, community-based field experiences to better understand the unique cultural context of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

HEHH interns have the opportunity to participate in weekend and evening activities such as exploring South Padre Island, visiting heritage sites and museums, and experiencing local community events.

HEHH interns are matched with a HCISD Mentor Teacher who will guide and support their work. Each mentor teacher will provide accelerated learning tools and instructional practices to inform your work with students in a classroom setting.

Through spring in-person orientation meetings and summer virtual meetings, the HEHH Faculty Liaison will guide HEHH interns through required self-evaluations and other assignments. This will allow interns to reflect on HEHH experiences and ensure support throughout the internship. Additionally, a returning student from a previous HEHH cohort will serve as a mentor intern, supporting participants and helping them navigate the Harlingen community.

Students in the program will receive a $2,000 Dean’s Community Service Award stipend to significantly defray associated travel, housing, meals and other costs.

Students will be employees of HCISD at an hourly rate of $12/hour, earning approximately $1,650 for the five (5) weeks.

HCISD will also be providing nearby housing accommodations at free/reduced rate for those who need it.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a currently enrolled undergraduate student in the College of Education who has a second-year standing or higher who is not graduating in May 2027.
• Be part of a teacher preparation program (e.g. elementary, urban teachers, special education) OR a Youth & Community Studies major.
• Have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
• Are available to live and work in Harlingen, Texas from May 31, 2026 (move-in) through July 2, 2027.

Accepted HEHH interns will be employed by HCISD, and as such, all participants must be authorized to work in the United States. As part of the district’s hiring process, participants must complete fingerprinting, a background check, proof of tuberculosis vaccination, and employment verification, including providing identification and documentation of authorization to work in the United States.

International students who do not have authorization to work in the United States are not eligible to participate in the HEHH Summer Internship.

You do not need to have a car to participate. Admitted students will be matched with students who have a car to facilitate participation to/from a HCISD campus.

Eligible students will receive an invitation to apply from the College of Education dean, Charles R. Martinez, Jr, and will then be emailed a personalized link to the online application when it opens on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The application closes at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 6.

Applicants will be notified of their status no later than Friday, March 5, 2027, at 5 p.m. and must confirm acceptance of placement by Wednesday, March 10, 2027, at 5 p.m.

Yes, students are welcome to apply to both programs; however, if accepted into HEHH, participation in this summer internship will take precedence. This allows students to have the opportunity to fully experience living and learning in a unique community environment.