Intro to Teaching Students Travel to WSC
Launch the media gallery 1 playerIntroduction to Teaching students traveled to Wayne State College last week to learn more about the Education and Training Pathway. Attending from Plainview were Shayla Jacobsen, Mallory Mauer, Trindan Ziems, and Emma Sauser. Students began with a presentation from the Admissions Department learning about WSC and its admission process, dorm options, cost, programs, scholarships, and more. Students were then treated to a meal at the cafeteria and then a tour of the campus. The tour focused on the student center, library, dorms, and the Benthack where the education courses are held. Dr. Legler, Interim Dean for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, spoke with students about the Education Pathway at WSC and the different options they have for subject endorsements, field endorsements, and supplements. He also shared information about the Career Scholars Scholarship Program and the NENTA Program (Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy). Students left with a folder filled with a variety of education program of study options which outlined the courses they would take their freshman thru senior year at WSC along with the course offerings to meet each of the ten general education requirements called core academic tenets.
The Education and Training Pathway is a series of new courses being offered at Plainview High School dual credit through Wayne State College with Mrs. Jacobsen as the instructor. Students begin by taking EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Development first semester and then follow it with EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition second semester. Ideally these courses would be taken during the junior year. The following year, students may take EDU 275 PK-12 Instructional Design. During EDU 250 students complete 20 hours of practicum experience and then in EDU 275 they complete an additional 80 of experience. Students are encouraged to take Lifespan Development during their freshman or sophomore year, prior to taking EDU 150 as concepts are introduced in Lifespan and mastered in EDU 150 and 250. Additionally, students may take Interpersonal Relationships for dual credit, also taught be Jacobsen, which is a course substitute for EDU 217 Diverse Family Systems. These courses are accepted as transfer credit at colleges across the state.
Students are also encouraged to join Educators Rising and attend its conferences and compete in state competitions. Educators Rising is a Career and Technical Student Organization which leads to cultivating a new generation of highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path from high school through college and into their teaching careers. By working with aspiring educators who reflect the demographics of their communities and who are passionate about serving those communities through public education, Educators Rising is changing the face of teaching.
“This is a great opportunity for students here at Plainview. We are lucky to be able to do this and earn graduate credit while in high school. Being able to take these courses along with my Fridays at Northeast Courses in Early Childhood both semesters I will be able to graduate with several education courses taken and be well on my way to my Early Childhood associate’s degree and my Early Childhood Education Inclusive PK-3grade Degree.” Stated Shayla Jacobsen. Ziems, Maurer, and Sauser agreed saying these courses will allow them to decide if education is the career for them and get them a head start on earning their teaching degree.
Anyone wanting to learn more about the Education and Training Pathway and its courses or Educators Rising may contact Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Ronita Jacobsen at the high school.