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New Prague High School spotlights Intro to Education program, Career & Tech Day with students and community partners
Summary
Teachers and students described the Intro to Education course, field placements across district schools, and the second annual Career & Tech Day on Oct. 2 with more than 55 local businesses; students shared how field experiences and college credit through Normandale shaped their post-secondary plans.
Staff and students from New Prague High School presented a spotlight at the New Prague Area Schools board meeting highlighting the Intro to Education course and the districts Career & Tech Day.
Bridal (activities/athletics) introduced the segment and said the district was "excited to provide an update about New Prague High School." Britney Olsen, the high schools Intro to Education teacher, described the course structure and partnership with Normandale Community College: the course awards four college credits through Normandale, includes fall and spring field placements (twice weekly in the fall and a Monday-through-Friday placement in the spring), guest speakers from across district roles, and helps students begin professional portfolios.
Olsen said the district will hold its second annual Career & Tech Day on Oct. 2, welcoming more than 55 local and area businesses for sophomores and juniors to explore careers. "We're very excited on October 2 to have our second annual Career and Tech Day at New Prague High School," Olsen said.
Students spoke about their experiences. Sarah Burkey described fall and spring placements at Falcon Ridge and said the program "gave me confidence in pursuing a career in education and it confirmed that I want to keep working with students in my future." Emily Jacobson noted guest speakers, college-credit opportunities and said, "This program taught me that education is more than teaching. It's a community of dedicated professionals, and I am excited to be a part of it."
Program details provided to the board included counts and placements: five students in early childhood placements (birth to pre-K), placements in district early childhood programs and multiple elementary and middle school placements (the presenters noted seven students at two elementary schools and nine at middle school). Olsen also highlighted at least three students exploring special education placements and said she was proud of post-COVID growth in enrollment in the class.
Board members asked about follow-up data on graduates from the program. Olsen said the first cohort (fall 2020) includes graduates now teaching in Minnesota and estimated “about half or more” of recent participants have pursued some form of postsecondary education in teaching after COVID-related disruptions.
Ending: The board thanked students and staff for the presentation; members praised the hands-on experience and the community partnerships that support the program.
