Local students with USD 501 signed on the dotted line to show their commitment to the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers’ (TCALC) Youth Teacher Apprenticeship Program.
TCALC held a special signing ceremony on Friday, Aug. 15, to celebrate the new high school students joining its teacher training pathway.
The program allows students to work as a teacher apprentice at a USD 501 school, with an hourly pay. It was developed in partnership with Washburn University and the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).
The students will get hands-on experience in the classroom while still in school, and then, after two years, they will earn an associate’s degree in education through Washburn Tech.
“I think the commitment to this work is huge,” said Laura Nichols, TCALC’s associate principal. “It’s going to be hard. It’s going to be two years of a lot of hard work, but these kiddos, we’ve talked to them now for the last couple of days, and they’re very excited, and I think committed to the process.”
Jawan Nelson was one of the several students who committed to the teaching program on Friday.
“Oh, I am really nervous,” said Nelson. “There’s a lot of big, important people here, but I am really excited because it is like solidifying the commitment to not only TCALC but to teaching and to the students. That no matter what, we are going to be [teachers]. We’re going to show up and be the best we can.”
Nelson says the significance behind such a ceremony was the difference between a verbal agreement and a signed agreement.
“Well, when you’re just saying something, it’s just a verbal contract or agreement, but when you’re signing it, you’re putting your name on it, which is everything most people know about you,” said Nelson. “They know your name. Your name is on there. It’s binding you to your name to that contract. So, whatever you are signing for, you’re agreeing that you are going to stand by just like you stand by your own name.”
Quinci Bryant is a senior at her high school who couldn’t be more thrilled to take part in the apprenticeship program.
“I am so excited, actually,” said Bryant. “I have been looking forward to this all summer. I have just been so excited for school to start. I’ve been so ready for this to happen.
She hopes this program will give her more time to become comfortable in a classroom setting, while gaining plenty of college experience that will benefit her in the long run.
“I think it’s going to be very important, because it is going to give me a step up. Rather than just me being in a regular high school. So, I think it’s going to be very helpful and definitely boost me and my college career.”
Most apprenticeship positions are with elementary schools, and the students are allowed some flexibility in their chosen placements.
The students will undergo an apprenticeship, with regular evaluations conducted by the TCALC instructor, cooperating instructors, and through self-assessment, as well as classes.
Washburn University will provide online and in-person courses. The students can then earn course credits that will be applied to their high school and college transcripts, as well as their graduation requirements.
The in-person courses are conducted outside of their “home schools” with TCALC instructors during scheduled class times. Students are still allowed to be involved in all-school activities.
“The Youth Teacher Apprenticeship Program exemplifies our commitment to growing our own future educators and addressing the state’s teacher shortage,” said USD 501 Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson. “These students represent the next generation of passionate, skilled leaders in education.”
