Since the beginning of the school year, our incredible Playworks AmeriCorps Coaches have been creating recess environments where every kid can thrive. This year, 16 Playworks AmeriCorps Coaches have committed to a full year of service in schools across Massachusetts. Our Coaches create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills every day.
During AmeriCorps Week, we celebrate their hard work and share stories of the positive impact they are making in our community. Get to know four of our rock-star AmeriCorps members who have shared their highlights and successes from the school year:
Coach Zach
What have you enjoyed most about your year of service?
“I have most enjoyed my school and the community. I feel very connected to my school and everything that happens here.”
What successes have you had?
“As a second year AmeriCorps member, I have a great understanding of my school community, and I feel like I know every kid on a personal level. I can tell how they’re feeling and what their needs are with just a simple conversation.”
Coach Yashana
What have you enjoyed most about your year of service?
“I have enjoyed bringing the community at my school together in a fun and playful way. Seeing the staff engage in games with students is the most rewarding thing.”
What successes have you had?
“For a first-year Coach, I feel like I have good group management methods. I have taught my students far more games than I thought I would have been able to. I have modified many games for my visually impaired students with the support of current and former coworkers.”
Coach Kayleigh
What have you enjoyed most about your year of service?
“I have enjoyed having fun with my students and seeing how happy they are when they learn new games.”
What successes have you had?
“I have built strong relationships with most of my students, so they feel comfortable coming to me with problems at recess instead of acting out on their own.”
Coach Henry
What have you enjoyed most about your year of service?
“I’ve enjoyed being a part of my school community and seeing the things I’ve taught in Class Game Time used throughout the school day.”
What successes have you had?
“I’ve seen a lot of kids with behavioral challenges really turn things around, specifically during Class Game Time. I’ve come to learn what some of those kids need, and now they light up anytime I see them.”
Playworks is hiring AmeriCorps members for the 2019-20 school year! Click here to apply.
This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
