By: Publicity For Good
The demand for highly competent and well-qualified teachers is never in decline. In recent years, it has steadily grown, driving the demand for high-quality teacher training up with it. In response to this demand, Empower College and Career Center, a transformative pathway program, allows high school students to explore and experience teaching firsthand to prepare them for a successful career in education.
Called “Education as a Profession,” this pathway introduces high school students to teaching fundamentals through an extensive curriculum designed to provide theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The program focuses on giving students an early understanding of what makes an educator effective while helping students figure out their teaching vocation.
Hands-On Learning Tools for Diverse Learners
A hallmark of the program is the use of manipulatives or, hands-on learning tools such as math cubes, language tiles, and other sensory materials. These engage students and cater to diverse student learning styles, including auditory, visual, and tactile learning. Through these tools, students gain valuable insight into different methods of instruction, which is critical for dealing with different types of students in classrooms that are becoming more diverse.
And now, with support from HireSmart Cares, the program has been able to integrate additional manipulatives, expanding the tool range available to these future teachers and broadening their ability to instruct students in multiple learning styles.
Real-World Classroom Experience
The Pathway Program’s method is built on providing its students with a solid grasp of educational theory and methods backed up with practical teaching experience.
In the first course, students learn basic teaching strategies. The second course dives into contemporary educational issues and policies to prepare them for the shifting educational landscape where they will work. Then, in the third course, students develop more hands-on experience in elementary and middle school classrooms, applying what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Kim Johnson, the program leader, emphasized the importance of providing students with these real-world classroom experiences before they commit to a full college education. “Our goal is to give students a realistic picture of what teaching entails so they can decide whether it’s the right fit for them,” Johnson explained.
Addressing Teacher Shortages
Programs like the Empower Education Pathway come at an excellent time, as teacher shortages challenge our educational system. This early experience helps students assess whether the profession aligns with their interests and strengths, allowing them to make confident, informed decisions about their futures.
Research shows that early, hands-on practice in teacher preparation programs is key to producing successful educators. This was evident in a study by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), which analyzed data from new elementary school teachers and found that those who engaged more frequently in practice-based preparation experiences, such as student teaching, demonstrated greater effectiveness in improving student test scores.
The Role of HireSmart Cares
HireSmart Cares, a non-profit organization, empowers youth through education and career development. It supports innovative initiatives with grants and equipment while facilitating partnerships and promoting their work.
If your organization shares a similar mission, HireSmart Cares is open to exploring potential collaborations. You can learn more about them at hiresmartcares.org. Email HireSmart at info@hiresmartcares.org.
Published by Stephanie M.