eSchool News offers six ways to encourage students to consider careers in teaching, a long-term answer to the K-12 teacher shortage:
1) Offer a career and technical education (CTE) program of study. This is a progression of industry-focused classes that create accessible pathways for students to gain skills needed for college and career success–-and that introduces students to the teaching industry.
2) Partner with CTE student organizations like Future Educators of America (FEA) to provide students with hands-on demonstrations and work experiences. Examples:
• FEA club members can plan events where they create and implement lesson plans, showing them how students learn best.
• Students can participate in competitions at local, state and national levels to gain feedback from education professionals and build connections with peers.
• Students can engage in service-learning projects emphasizing the social impact of teaching and showcasing how educators can positively shape communities.
3) Recruit teachers who can inspire a deep understanding of their subject and have a high level of emotional intelligence. These teacher/role models foster strong student-teacher relationships and showcase teaching as a fulfilling and impactful profession.
4) Add peer tutoring programs to your school or district. This allows middle and high school students to assist younger learners and builds virtual skills such as active listening and providing feedback. Hands-on experience can motivate students to see teaching as a meaningful career choice. Peer tutoring programs can provide training to student tutors so they know how to communicate effectively, give constructive feedback, and engage with younger students. Arrange for teachers to guide peer tutors, helping them with session planning and addressing challenges as they arise. And offer in-person and virtual options to make tutoring more accessible for students.
5) Consistently recognize the hard work of your teachers. Some ways to recognize superb teachers:
• Feature a teacher each week during school announcements, emails or on your social media channels, highlighting their successes and contributions.
• Work with your students and parents to learn how teachers positively influence lives and then ask them if you can share those stories in weekly communications.
• Partner with local media to share teacher achievements and reinforce the value of educators in the community.
6) Partner with local colleges and universities to expand student exposure to the teaching field. Host events with education faculty or create mentorship programs to show students a path toward teaching careers. Initiatives could include:
• Invite college professors or education majors to discuss their experiences. This introduces students to college-level coursework and the realities of a teaching career.
• Match high school students with college education majors or recent graduates, giving students one-on-one time with individuals currently navigating a teaching career.
• Organize visits to local colleges’ education departments so students can monitor classes or shadow colleague students in classrooms.
Bottom line: foster an environment where students can explore, experience and appreciate the teaching profession to inspire the next generation of educators and help combat the teacher shortage.
eSchool News
