Adan Juarez works as a STEAMbassador for kindergarten through second grade. This summer, he specializes in social emotional learning teaching students about their emotions and addressing conflict in the classroom.
Juarez (center) mediates a conflict between two children in the Building Block Club (K-2nd grade) program where there was an instance of bullying. Photo by Project Exploration.
“What I’m studying for right now is psychology. And I’m really interested in the counseling and therapy side of psychology. I like getting to know people, and I like talking to people” said Juarez, who has been with Project Exploration for three years. “It truly is such an opportunity and a blessing for me to be here and working with the kids, because I love it.”
When students start having difficult moments, Juarez quietly intervenes. He takes the students to spaces like a comfy couch or a cozy tent where they can read books and talk about their feelings.
Juarez uses a series of books to read with students to talk about their emotions. Photo by Project Exploration.
Gaining Experience in Social Emotional Learning
Jakira Swift also works as a STEAMbassador teaching mini-nurses for the Sisters for Science (6th-8th grade) program. She works to adapts her teaching and methods to students’ emotions.
Swift, second from the left, leads a “Build Your Plate” matching game for students in the Little Sisters for Science (3rd-5th grade) program about nutrition and health. Photo by Project Exploration.
“Even in our training, they talk about how to handle a kid’s outbursts,” said Swift, who is also studying for a Psychology degree. She appreciates her, “energy being uplifted by her kids. Sure, I bring the energy with the curriculum, but they give the energy back so that I’m able to keep going. Not just in the time that I’m with them, but for hours after. I still have good energy.”
Swift said she looks also forward to the My Chi My Future playlist videos and professional development opportunities. “They give you information on how to plan for a job; how to build your resume; how to have a bank account; how to save, so I’m excited for those too.”
Swift said she was excited to return to teaching program in the fall, especially at school sites in Austin and Bronzeville. Photo by Project Exploration.
Both Swift and Juarez work with Project Explorations new team member Program Support Specialist Jamesenna Anderson QMHP, who is a Master’s level Clinician. They are also both employed through the One Summer Chicago Year-round Youth Employment Program (YREP).
Program Support Specialist Jamesenna Anderson QMHP, is a Master’s level Clinician. She joined PE this summer leads mental health care and support with programs. Photo by Project Exploration.
If you enjoyed this story, make sure to sign up for our newsletter for news like this sent straight to your inbox. And keep changing the face of science!