Key points:
- Fostering interest in teaching at the high school level is important to creating a pipeline of future teachers
- Students want more career-connected learning
- Real-life work experiences: The unseen curriculum for high school success
- For more news on career readiness, visit eSN’s Innovative Teaching hub
As teacher shortages continue to challenge K-12 education, it’s essential for school and district administrators to create pathways for high school students to experience the teaching profession. This will allow them to better understand if it’s a career they would like to pursue. By inspiring the next generation of educators, we can build up this honorable profession to ensure all students are receiving the attention and support they need to thrive.
To help, here are six ways school leaders can encourage students to consider careers in teaching, which will benefit K-12 education in the long term.
1. Develop career and technical education pathways
Offer a career and technical education (CTE) program of study–a progression of industry-focused classes that create accessible pathways for students to gain the skills needed for college and career success–that introduces students to the teaching industry. At FlexPoint, we have a Principles of Teaching program of study that provides high school students with the technical and soft skills needed to become a professional educator. At the end of the program of study, which includes three courses, students can earn a certification by taking the Professional Teaching Exam.
Each course offers field experience, allowing students to explore teaching through guided observations and real-life scenarios. This enables students to fully understand whether this is the profession for them.
2. Provide hands-on work experiences
Partner with CTE Student Organization like Future Educators of America (FEA). These organizations provide students with hands-on demonstrations and work experiences, including:
- Project-based learning: FEA club members can plan events where they create and implement lesson plans, showing them how students learn best.
- Competitive and networking events: Students can participate in competitions at the local, state, and national levels, where they can gain feedback from education professionals and build connections with peers.
- Community service: Students can engage in service-learning projects that emphasize the social impact of teaching, highlighting how educators can positively shape communities.
My tip: Provide students with a space to showcase their projects, allowing them to reflect on their efforts while helping them connect with school leaders and families.
3. Hire teachers who love to teach
Great teachers often inspire future educators. When recruiting, seek those who can inspire a deep understanding of their subject and have a high level of emotional intelligence. These qualities foster strong student-teacher relationships and showcase teaching as a fulfilling and impactful profession.
4. Create peer tutoring programs
Adding peer tutoring programs to your school or district allows middle and high school students to assist younger learners while building virtual skills like active listening and providing feedback. This hands-on experience can inspire students to see teaching as a meaningful career choice. Here are additional elements you should consider when creating peer tutoring programs:
- Structured training: Provide training to student tutors so they know how to communicate effectively, give constructive feedback, and ways to engage with younger students.
- Supportive oversight: Arrange for teachers to guide peer tutors, helping them with session planning and addressing challenges as they arise.
- Flexible delivery: Offer both in-person and virtual options to make tutoring more accessible for students across various learning formats.
My tip: Have student tutors reflect on their experience through journals or meetings with educators, helping them assess their interest in the professional and strengthen key skills.
5. Celebrate teachers year-round
Consistently recognize the hard work of your teachers. Simple acts of appreciation remind students of the value and impact of the teaching profession. Here are some ways school leaders can continue to recognize their incredible teachers:
- Weekly spotlights: Feature a teacher each week during school announcements, emails, or on your social media channels, highlighting their successes and contributions.
- Community and student acknowledgement: Work with your students and parents to learn how teachers have positively influenced their lives and then ask them if you can share those stories in weekly communications.
- Engagement in local media: Partner with local media to share teacher achievements, reinforcing the value of educators in the wider community.
My tip: Encourage students to write thank-you notes to their teachers, giving them a chance to reflect on the positive influences in their lives and see firsthand the rewards of teaching.
6. Collaborate with higher education institutions
Partnering with local colleges and universities can expand student exposure to the teaching field. Host events with education faculty or create mentorship programs to show students a clear path toward teaching careers. Initiatives could include:
- College-facilitated workshops: Invite college professors or education majors to present about their experiences, introducing students to college-level coursework and the realities of a teaching career.
- Mentorship programs: Match high school students with college education majors or recent graduates, giving students one-on-one time with individuals currently navigating a teaching career.
- Field trips and job shadowing: Organize visits to local colleges’ education departments, where students can sit in on classes or shadow colleague students in classrooms.
My tip: Work with colleges to offer dual enrollment credits for teaching-related courses to help students get a head start on an education degree.
By fostering an environment where students can explore, experience, and appreciate the teaching profession, administrators can inspire the next generation of educators and help combat the teacher shortage.
As teacher shortages continue to challenge K-12 education, it’s essential for school and district administrators to create pathways for high school students to experience the teaching profession. College and Career Readiness, Featured on eSchool News, Innovative Teaching, better, career, career readiness, district, Education, educators, future, generation, high school, interest eSchool News
