Hospital-based internship prepares classroom teachers

Due to side effects of their condition or time away from school, kids with chronic or life-threatening illnesses can have unique learning needs. In partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF), PedsAcademy at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, offers a one-of-a-kind internship that gives future teachers training and experience that they carry with them into their future classrooms and careers.

1 in 4 children have a chronic illness impacting their educational experience in a variety of ways

UCF Teacher Interns are trained and supervised by a certified teacher in our hospital setting, while providing tailored instruction and educational enrichment opportunities at the bedside or in the hospital classroom. A variety of educational technology tools are used to promote student engagement and learning including robotics, virtual reality and 3D printing. Our school program coordinator also provides educational referrals, resources and guidance to families related to the hospital/homebound application process, individualized educational plans, 504 plans and school re-entry.

These sessions help patients of all ages and across all inpatient units develop and maintain academic skills during prolonged hospitalization. The experiences also help our interns build deep insights and understanding into the educational and social-emotional needs of children and families coping with chronic illness and complex medical needs. 

“In addition to meeting the educational needs of our patients, this program is designed to develop future generations of teachers with the ability to serve students with complex medical needs in their own classrooms.”

Becca Grysko, PhD, CBIS,
PedsAcademy Program Coordinator