Teacher Academy

Course Description:

This one-year class is for students interested in an education-related career. 

• Explore human growth and development, diversity in the classroom, ethics, professional responsibility, health and safety. 
• In teams, students will focus on child development, classroom management, lesson planning, and educational philosophy.  
• Qualified students spend 8 weeks working alongside a veteran mentor teacher, refining their grasp of fundamental strategies and techniques.  
• Gain experience, education-related skills, and a more confident sense of their own career path.
• Develop skills in public speaking, reading, writing and observation.

Students who would benefit from this program

Students who would benefit from this program are those who show care and concern for the growth and development of children; are adaptable, patient, and caring; and possess strong listening and communication skills.

Course Outline:

1st Semester: Human Growth & Development, Instructional Strategies, Classroom Management, Health & Safety, Learning Environments, and Curriculum Planning.

2nd Semester: Diversity and Ethics, Community and Family Engagement, Professional Responsibility, Applied Learning, Legal Issues, and Assessment.

High School Credit:

High School Credit: Students will earn elective credit at their high school upon completion of this course. Please see a high school counselor (based on district decision) for eligibility towards 4th-year math-related credit, VPAA credit, and waived credits for third year science and second year world language.

College Credit: Students who meet attendance and GPA requirements earn direct credit for Grand Valley State University’s EDF 115 (Foundations in Education) course, transferable to most colleges in Michigan.

Length of Program:

1 year