CDF Freedom School Servant Leader Interns – Summer 2025

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMS 

CDF FREEDOM SCHOOLS SERVANT LEADER INTERN 2025

General Information

Applications are now being accepted from qualified staff for the position of Servant Leader Intern in the Community Education CDF Freedom Schools¿ Six-Week Summer Program serving students in grades K-8. All interested applicants must complete the online application. Applicants that meet the application deadline may be given first consideration. 

Applications must be submitted at www.spps.org/hr

The CDF Freedom Schools® program is an educational and cultural enrichment program. The program provides summer options for children and strengthens parent and community involvement in the year-round achievement of children. The program serves children in current grades K-8 for 6 weeks and integrates reading, conflict resolution, and social action in an activity-based curriculum to promote social, cultural, and historical awareness.

Founded in 1995 by the Children’s Defense Fund’s Black Community Crusade for Children® (BCCC) initiative and currently coordinated nationally by the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) in partnership with well-established and effective local and regional child-serving organizations, the CDF Freedom Schools program is a direct service initiative. CDF’s Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child has a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

CDF Freedom Schools is a summer program for students in current grades K-8. See program calendar at www.spps.org/summer. 

Reporting Relationship

Report to CDF Freedom Schools Executive Director, Site Coordinator, and Summer Learning Program Licensed Site Administrator.

Qualifications 

• Currently enrolled in college AND maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Preferred: Completed at least one year of college.
• Preferred: Experience of 2 years working with CDF Freedom Schools or Freedom Schools Express. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Solid commitment to children¿s advocacy and enthusiasm for the CDF Freedom Schools Program.
• Ability to motivate others and work as a part of an intergenerational team.
• Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history and the willingness to be open and respectful of all cultures.
• Willingness to strive for excellence in all areas.
• Ability to think critically.
• Exhibit a positive attitude and model a mature and responsible demeanor.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to the character, humanity and servant leadership ethics of Ella Baker. 

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Integrated Reading Curriculum  to a class of 10-15 students.
• Set-up and breakdown of classroom space, including securing and organizing materials.
• Collaborate with staff and maintain a supportive and structured environment.
• Serve as a Harambee! Leader.
• Serve as a leader of afternoon activities, special events and chaperone field trips.
• Engage fully in all activities and follow the directions of the CDF Freedom Schools Executive Director, or Site Coordinator.
• Attend all CDF Freedom Schools required training and meetings facilitated by the CDF FS Executive Director.
• Follow management of the CDF Freedom Schools Executive Director, and Site Coordinator to ensure the fidelity of the national CDF FS Licensing Agreement.
• Other duties as assigned by the CDF Freedom Schools Executive Director, Site Coordinator, or Summer Learning Program Site Administrator
• Required for first-year Servant Leader Interns only: Graduate from the Ella Baker Child Policy Institute held June 4-June 7 (arrive June 3, and depart June 8, 2025)  and other mandatory CDF training. Staff must submit appropriate paperwork to the CDF FS Executive Director. 

Essential Functions

Essential functions are functions that the individual holding the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation through the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). The essential functions are typical duties as outlined under Responsibilities.

Conditions of Employment

• All interested applicants must apply online at www.spps.org/hr.
• Employment offer is for the current CDF Freedom Schools session only.  
• CDF Freedom Schools Servant Leader must work and be on site during the entire CDF Freedom Schools session including set-up days.
• Employment during CDF Freedom Schools is not an extension of the SPPS school year contract.
• If hired CDF Freedom Schools staff may need to be reduced prior to or at the onset of program start, date of application will be a deciding factor.

Compensation and Hours

The following conditions apply to this position:

• CDF Freedom Schools Servant Leader Intern is compensated at their current hourly rate of pay per the labor agreement. External SPPS candidates will be hired at an hourly rate of $20.00. 
• CDF Freedom Schools Servant Leader Intern will work 8.0 hours per day.
• CDF Freedom Schools Servant Leader Intern compensation and work schedule:
  • In addition to student program dates
    • Work 6.0-8.0 hours per direction from Site Leader on  set-up days and IRC writing days
    • Work 2 hours the evening of August 1st for the Finale Showcase
    • Regular SPPS employees will receive supplemental pay at school year rate during national training. 
    • No program on July 4th (National Holiday)
• CDF Freedom Schools employees are paid biweekly.

Inclement Weather or Other Cancellations

Summer Learning Programs staff are paid only for hours worked on days the program is in session. 

Other Information

Criminal Background Investigation – Criminal Background investigation will be completed as a condition of hire for all new employees and for former employees who have not been employed by the District for more than six months. 

Equal Opportunity Employment

Saint Paul Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace. 

Equity Statement

SPPS is committed to an equitable workforce where all employees represent this commitment through equitable practices in their job position.