Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Teacher Recruitment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Teachers for Tomorrow program expands to all four high schools; students describe classroom practicums
Summary
Teachers for Tomorrow — a dual-enrollment pathway that offers university credit and classroom practicum — is operating at all four Campbell County high schools. District staff and students described course content, college credit, practicum placements and an upcoming recognition event.
Campbell County School Board members heard student and staff presentations on April 21 about the Teachers for Tomorrow program, a dual-enrollment pathway that gives high school students classroom experience and college credit toward education careers.
Why it matters: Board members described Teachers for Tomorrow as a “grow-your-own” strategy for building local teacher pipelines. Presenters said the program provides college credits and practicum placements that help students decide whether to pursue teaching.
Dr. Hale, who introduced the presentation as a program overview, said Teachers for Tomorrow courses are dual-enrolled through the University of Lynchburg and follow the SARA curriculum. He told the board, “Students receive 3 college credits for Teachers for Tomorrow 1, and students receive 4 for Teachers for Tomorrow 2,” for a total of seven college credits through the two courses.
Students and teachers who teach the classes described in-class projects and practicum placements. Laney Green (speaking earlier in the meeting) and several other students told the board they completed practicum hours in elementary and special education classrooms; one student said she completed “over a hundred and 40 hours of practicum experience.”
Student presenters described classroom projects that shaped their understanding of teaching. Cassandra Ramirez and Princessa Cruz said assignments such as a “barrier book” project and disability simulations helped them learn to make classroom accommodations. Maggie Keys, a Brookville High School student, described a difficult practice lesson during her practicum and summarized the learning curve: “I had to fail in order to succeed.” Keys credited the program with giving her a realistic view of teaching practice and responsibilities.
Teachers and administrators said participation is growing: Teachers for Tomorrow is now offered at all four high schools, includes both TFT 1 and TFT 2, and the district plans to add the Educators Rising organization next year. Staff said the program includes field placements at elementary, middle and high school levels and culminates in a multi-week practicum.
The board was invited to a recognition ceremony for program students scheduled for May 2 at 9 a.m. at the Technical Center. No board action was required on the presentation; Teachers for Tomorrow is an existing instructional program that staff said will continue to expand.
