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 2026 internship session.

The HEHH summer internship has required virtual and in-person components in the spring and early summer of 2026.

Accepted students will receive a confirmed list of required activities by March 13.

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 9.

Students must live and work in Harlingen, Texas for from Monday, May 25, 2026 (move-in) through Saturday, June 27, 2026 (move-out).

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

• Required HCISD orientation will occur on Tuesday, May 26. Classroom internship placement begins the same day and runs through Thursday, June 25.  
• Internship hours: Monday – Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Fridays from approximately 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• A celebratory trip to South Padre Island is tentatively planned for Friday, June 26

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 June 30.

Working closely with dedicated HCISD teachers, HEHH interns will provide accelerated reading and math support to elementary and middle school-aged students on a daily basis 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 immersing in local community events.

HEH interns are matched with an HCISD Mentor Teacher who will guide and support your work. Each mentor teacher will provide accelerated learning tools and model engaging teaching practices that will guide 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. The faculty liaison and primary point of contact for any questions or issues that arise while in Harlingen. A designated mentor intern from the 2024 cohort will also be an on-the-ground resource.

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 2026.
• 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 Monday, May 25, 2026 (move-in) through Saturday, June 27, 2026 (move-out).

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 Tuesday, March 10, at 5 p.m. and must confirm acceptance of placement by Friday, March 13, 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.

Admitted HEH students will be employed by HCISD, and as such will be required to complete a background check (including fingerprinting), as well as show proof of tuberculosis vaccination before May 25, 2026. HCISD staff and the UT HEH COE instructor will guide and support each student to complete this process.