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In this July 20, 2011 photo, Zenobia Adgers, a 17-year-old high school student from Middletown, Conn., helps teach Yandiel Chaparro during a first-grade class at Windham Middle School in Windham, Conn., as part of the Summer Institute for Future Teachers Pat Eaton-Robb, Associated Press
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In this July 20, 2011 photo, Justin Del Rio, a 16-year-old high school student from New Britain, Conn., helps teach a class at Windham Middle School in Windham, Conn., as part of Connecticut's Summer Institute for Future Teachers program. Pat Eaton-Robb, Associated Press
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In this July 20, 2011 photo, Shelby Krivickas, a junior high school student from New Britain, Conn., helps teach a second-grade class at Windham Middle School in Windham, Conn., as part of the Summer Institute for Future Teachers Program. Pat Eaton-Robb, Associated Press
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In this July 20, 2011 photo, Eleni Malave, a 17-year-old high school student from New Britain, Conn., helps teach a special education class at Windham Middle School in Windham, Conn., as part of the Summer Institute for Future Teachers Program. Pat Eaton-Robb, Associated Press
By Associated Press

WINDHAM, Conn. — While many of their friends are hanging out at the mall or beach, about 20 Connecticut high school students have spent much of their summer vacation back in the classroom.

They're part of a program to introduce teenagers to the teaching profession, one of a growing number of such programs nationwide to help address shortages in special education, bilingual education, science and math.

The programs are growing as the nation's 3.8 million teachers age.

The Connecticut students are spending several weeks at Eastern Connecticut State University and working with teachers and mentors at Windham Middle School, helping students in a summer literacy program.

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The program, known as the Summer Institute for Future Teachers, is in its 15th year. Similar programs are in place in Delaware, Georgia, Michigan and other states.

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