Eight area residents are participating in Eastern Kentucky University’s fourth annual “Try Teaching” program. The nationally innovative program targets mid- and second-career professionals who are intrigued about their potential in front of classroom.
Since many would have doubts about leaving their current job to return to college for a second degree, the program allows participants to gauge their comfort level as a classroom teacher before making a life-changing move.
This year’s participants include: Theresa Brown, Lexington, Morton Middle School, Lexington, mathematics, Sept. 28-Oct. 2; Donna Gllbreath, Jessie Clark Middle School, Lexington, Sept. 21-23, and Dunbar High School, Lexington, Sept. 28-30, social studies and English; Anna McGlone, Lexington, Henry Clay High School, Lexington, Sept. 21-23, and Hayes Middle School, Lexington, Sept. 28-30, language arts; Andrea Flanders, Georgetown, Scott County Ninth Grade School, Sept. 21-22, and Georgetown Middle School, Sept. 23-25, business and marketing, social studies; John White, Monticello, North Pulaski Middle School, Sept. 28-Oct. 2, music; Mike Crocetti, Lexington, Lafayette High School, Lexington, Sept. 21-Oct. 2, technology education; and Greg Jackson, Lexington, Henry Clay High School, Lexington, Sept. 21-Oct. 2, band. (One other participant chose not to be identified.)
The program, funded by a $175,000 grant from Ashland Inc., attracted 28 participants in its first three years. Each spends one or two weeks in a K-12 classroom, gaining first-hand experience as they assisted in the preparation and execution of lesson plans while learning successful educational practices from their teaching mentors.
“I think I will enjoy teaching, but I’m not ready to change jobs without being sure,” said Gilbreath. “‘Try Teaching’ will give me the opportunity to be sure.”
Several past participants have decided to enter EKU’s Master’s in Teaching Program, which prepares and certifies individuals who hold non-teaching baccalaureate degrees, according to Dr. Cynthia Resor, coordinator of the MAT program and director of the “Try Teaching” program.
Participants have the option of one- or two-week placements in elementary, middle and high schools throughout central and southeastern Kentucky, as close to home as possible.
In addition to classroom time with their mentoring teacher, “Try Teaching” participants will spend time with a university-level educator to learn more about certification procedures, the teaching profession and career benefits. EKU officials hope the program will help those interested in making a career change to teaching.
“We need to be looking at alternate avenues for drawing qualified men and women from various backgrounds into the teaching field,” Resor said. “Teaching jobs are available in all subjects and grade levels, but there is a real shortage of math, science and foreign language teachers.”
EKU College of Education faculty and school district administrators work together to identify outstanding K-12 educators who will host participants in their classrooms. The host teachers are then be trained in effective mentoring techniques.
A preliminary screening pre-qualifies participants and reduces the risk that a participant would be ineligible for the MAT program. Those interested in the “Try Teaching” program are asked to assemble educational transcripts, a professional resume and letters of recommendation, and are interviewed to assess their overall disposition to teach. Also, before introducing anyone into a classroom setting, EKU completes stringent background checks on all program candidates.
Anyone interested in the “Try Teaching” program should contact Resor at 859-622-2165 or at cynthia.resor@eku.edu. More information is available at www.tryteaching.eku.edu.
