Description:
Discover how Dodge City Schools are enhancing learning by giving high school students in the Education Pathway a hands-on opportunity to step into the classroom as co-teachers. In this session, you'll learn about an innovative project that allows students to work alongside experienced educators, attending training sessions together and receiving ongoing coaching throughout the semester. This dynamic partnership not only strengthens students' instructional skills but also empowers them to actively shape the learning experience. Join us to explore how this initiative is building the next generation of educators and fostering a collaborative learning environment for both students and teachers.
Speakers:
Erin Stevens serves as the Teacher Cadet Program Coordinator at Dodge City High School, where she mentors future educators by fostering foundational teaching skills and a passion for the education field. In her role, she oversees both introductory and advanced Teacher Cadet students, providing them with hands-on experiences such as classroom shadowing, co-teaching, and peer mentorship. Her work emphasizes inspiring the next generation of educators through practical learning opportunities and exposure to diverse teaching strategies, including A focus on Biography-Driven Instruction. By connecting students with experienced mentors and creating real-world teaching scenarios, Stevens aims to cultivate their potential to excel in the field of education.
Perla Batres is an inspiring example of the "grow your own" philosophy in action. A former participant in the Teacher Cadet program at Dodge City High School, Batres has come full circle as an educator and now serves as a teacher at Beeson Elementary in Dodge City. Her journey demonstrates the power of nurturing future educators to meet the diverse needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This year, Batres is serving as a mentor teacher for the Teacher Cadet program, guiding high school students as they explore careers in education. She believes in the importance of preparing educators who reflect and understand the unique experiences of the students they serve. Through her mentorship, Batres not only shares her expertise but also inspires the next generation of teachers to embrace their potential and make a meaningful impact in the classroom.
Alexis Swinney is breaking new ground as the first student to partner with TASN to fully implement the co-teaching model being piloted for future adoption in USD 443 and across the state of Kansas. This school year, Swinney had the honor of representing the Teacher Cadet program by presenting her work with TASN to the Kansas Association of School Boards at Century II in Wichita. As a true pioneer in work-based learning, Swinney is also the first Teacher Cadet student to take part in an immersive teaching experience. After passing the district's paraprofessional assessment, she spends multiple blocks of her school day at Beeson Elementary, engaging in all aspects of teaching. This unique opportunity allows Swinney to earn high school credit while being compensated as an official USD 443 employee. Her dedication and achievements set a remarkable example for the future of teacher preparation in the district and beyond.
Participants will:
Registration may be cancelled up to 14 days prior to the event for a full refund. Cancellations received within 14 days of the event will not be refunded. No-show registrations will also not be refunded.