As South Carolina still faces teaching vacancies and a teacher shortage, RNE’s teacher cadet program is working to combat this issue one cadet at a time.
The teacher cadet program is a college credit-based program that encourages students who excel academically to explore teaching as a career.
“It is a phenomenal way to get a sneak peek of what it is really like to be a teacher,” the program’s head teacher Samuel Sims said.
As part of the teacher cadet program, students learn the skills and traits necessary to become educators. They spend several weeks in the classroom learning about childhood development, psychology and the best teaching practices and developing character traits that best support a role as a teacher.
“Most of these skills are discussed in the classroom and then developed further when they are out in their field experience,” Sims added.
These intangible skills are often overlooked but are necessary to have a successful and effective teaching career.
“I have learned that teaching is very difficult and requires patience, discipline, and responsibility. Teachers have to be firm when disciplining students, stay professional at all times, and remember that they are always being watched,” senior Caden Holman said. “I also learned that teachers carry a lot of responsibility and must lead by example.”
Students gain field experience teaching at elementary and middle schools within the district based on cadet interest and needs. They work hand-in-hand with teachers in their classrooms throughout several weeks. While there, cadets observe the teacher, assist students, and even teach lessons. Cadets spend a minimum of 18 hours in their field placement plus a full day of observation.
“The program includes tons of in-class activities and projects to prepare for a career in education, but the main focus of the program is the field experience,” Sims said.
Holman joined the program to see what teaching is really like in hopes of becoming a music teacher. He plans to major in education and minor in psychology to understand his students better.
“This program has opened my eyes to what teaching truly involves. It has helped me better understand the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of being a teacher,” Holman added. He encourages any potential teachers to join the program.
The teacher cadet program offers several benefits for students while in the program and after completion, including the opportunity to win the Kent Bower scholarship. One high school senior who either enrolled in or completed the Teacher Cadet Program will receive this $1,000 award. This student must also intend to major in education at a S.C. college or university. Upon completion of the program, RNE students receive a cord at graduation.
Sims believes the biggest advantage students get is the personal experience they gain.
“The biggest benefit from the program is the opportunity to see exactly what teaching is like. For students on the fence about teaching, this can help them plan for the future by helping them understand that teaching is something they really can do or if it is something they don’t see themselves doing.”
Holman agrees, believing the program strengthened his desire to pursue a career in education. He encourages students interested in the education field to ‘go for it’. “Teaching is hard, but it is a blessing to help shape the next generation and watch students grow.”
Students interested in the education field are strongly encouraged to join the program. Applications open in March. Applicants must be a rising junior or senior, have a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA, have no notable disciplinary infractions during the last academic year, and fill out an application with two teacher recommendations. For any further information, please contact [email protected].
