I hear about lots of programs to attract and prepare STEM teachers, given the strong need in those disciplines. But I just learned of one that offers an unusual twist: Grooming future math teachers while they’re still in high school to return to classrooms in their hometown (or at least home county).
Three “teacher apprentices” from the Teachers College of San Joaquin are now back teaching in local high schools. They got started in the fall of 2007, working alongside math teachers during their senior year in San Joaquin County public schools, according to a press release about the initiative issued this week. The three went on to earn bachelor’s degrees in education at the University of the Pacific before entering a special credentialing program from the county.
The apprentice program is growing and now counts 36 aspiring teachers.
“The Teacher Apprentice Program opened my eyes to the possibility of college and a career in math education,” Kevin Romero, who now teaches geometry at Stagg Senior High School in Stockton, Calif., said in the press release.
The teachers college was established by the San Joaquin County Office of Education in 2009.