High School Teacher Academies: Addressing the Shortage Through Innovative Programs
In a bid to tackle the teacher shortage crisis, Bullard High School in Fresno has implemented a groundbreaking program that sees high school students actively involved in teaching elementary school students. The Teacher Academy Program, part of Fresno Unified’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway course, aims to address the shortage of educators entering the K-12 system by introducing and preparing students for the teaching field from the high school level.
The program provides high school students like Bullard senior Isabell Coronado with hands-on experience in teaching. Coronado, along with her classmates, recently worked with first graders at Gibson Elementary, conducting interactive science lessons that engaged the young students and sparked their curiosity. Through activities like predicting whether an egg would sink or float in different liquids, the high schoolers not only impart knowledge but also inspire a love for learning in their elementary counterparts.
Teachers are retiring at higher rates, and many are leaving the profession due to burnout or stress caused by challenging student behavior. This, coupled with fewer teacher candidates enrolling in preparation programs, has exacerbated the shortage across the nation. In response to this crisis, California has invested $1.2 billion since 2016 to address the ongoing teacher shortage, with a focus on recruiting teachers for hard-to-fill positions in special education, science, math, and bilingual education.
To combat the shortage, school districts like Fresno Unified are implementing “grow-our-own” models, creating high school educator pathway programs that expose students to the teaching profession early on. By tapping into students’ passion for helping others and keeping them engaged, these programs aim to diversify the teacher workforce and produce well-trained educators who can make a positive impact in the classroom. According to Girlie Hale, president of the Teachers College of San Joaquin, the high school educator pipeline is a long-term solution that can increase enrollment in teaching preparation programs.
Under the leadership of Maiv Thao, manager of Fresno Unified’s teacher development department, the Teacher Academy Program not only provides valuable experience for high school students but also helps address the lack of representation in the teaching workforce. By nurturing students from diverse backgrounds and communities within the district, the program aims to create a more inclusive and relatable environment for elementary school students. Thao emphasizes the importance of having teachers who look like and understand their students, as they can make a significant impact on learning outcomes.
In San Joaquin County, various school districts have implemented teacher preparation academies to support students interested in pursuing a career in education. The Teacher Education and Early College High (TEACH) program at Venture Academy, for example, offers students the opportunity to earn an associate degree in elementary education from San Joaquin Delta College while still in high school. This innovative approach not only provides students with a head start in their teaching careers but also ensures they graduate debt-free with a bachelor’s degree from Humphreys University.
By immersing students in real-world teaching experiences, programs like TEACH and the Teacher Academy in Fresno Unified help students develop essential skills for the classroom. Through cohort learning models, fieldwork opportunities, and hands-on experience, high schoolers gain valuable insights into effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and cultural proficiency. By engaging with elementary students and reflecting on their teaching methods, students like Crowley, Ortiz Ramirez, and Green are able to hone their communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for a future career in education.
The impact of these high school educator pathway programs extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to consider teaching as a viable and rewarding career option. While the journey from high school pathway programs to teacher credentialing and eventual employment may span several years, the success stories of program graduates like Maiv Thao serve as a testament to the effectiveness of these initiatives. By nurturing a new generation of educators who are passionate, diverse, and well-prepared, schools can address the ongoing teacher shortage and create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
In conclusion, high school teacher academies like the one at Bullard High School in Fresno are playing a crucial role in addressing the teacher shortage crisis and preparing the next generation of educators. By providing students with early exposure to the teaching profession, hands-on experience in the classroom, and valuable skills for success, these programs are not only diversifying the teacher workforce but also making a positive impact on student learning outcomes. As more school districts adopt similar initiatives, the future of education looks brighter, with a new wave of passionate and well-trained teachers ready to inspire and empower the next generation.