Molding a Career in Education

A new magnet program in Hillborough County, Florida is preparing high school students to become future educators. In a landscape where there is constant debate on how to train and create quality educators for our youth, this program may be a step in the right direction.

The school system opened the Urban Teaching Academies at three high schools and currently have 70 freshman enrolled. If the students are successful, the school district may cover college tuition if they pursue a degree in education. 

While the program is in its infancy, students will soon be shadowing teachers and see how lesson plans are made, how to manage classroom time, even how to take attendance. Students will also receive the same training teachers receive on how to apply their knowledge and lessons in the classroom. In a state with a 10% unemployment rate, school officials hope that having a degree in education, along with a program of continuous support that starts in high school, will help the state grow its own active teachers. 

 

Tomorrow, the Ed. Writers Association Annual Meeting will feature a session on the futre of Ed. Schools. Stay tuned for more on innovations in preservice teacher training . . .