Recruiting new teachers to the profession is a vital effort to address significant teacher shortages and expand teacher workforce diversity in the state. Recruitment of future teachers can begin early, and no one is better equipped to begin this process than educators themselves. Once students are identified and recruited, a comprehensive school program employing the Teaching and Learning career pathway and Educators Rising, a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), gives the student a solid foundation of career preparation. Students receive formalized training in the classroom, while participation in the CTSO supports student learning through development of leadership skills, positive personal attributes, and real world application.
The Teaching and Learning pathway is designed to introduce high school students to the field of education and lay a foundation allowing the student to transition into postsecondary studies. There are a total of four courses required for the pathway as well as opportunities for students to earn dual credit and meet Transition Readiness requirements.
Educators Rising is the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that complements the Teaching and Learning pathway. The purpose of a CTSO is to enhance learning for students by helping them develop leadership and other transferable skills, provide service opportunities, network with other students, and demonstrate learned skills through practical application.