Some school districts in North Carolina have decided that their best future teacher candidates may already be in the area — just still in high school.
These districts have begun their own iterations of teacher cadet programs, where high school students take introductory education courses and are placed with experienced teachers who train and mentor them. These initiatives, which fall into the category of “grow-your-own” programs, provide students with guidance, and sometimes financial support, as they pursue postsecondary degrees. The goal is to keep students connected with the communities they hail from so that they return as licensed educators after graduation.
EdNC spoke with students and staff from Brunswick and Wayne counties to learn more about the programs, what they’re like for students, and how they benefit students and districts alike…