Did you know you can get a head start on your college education while preparing for a career in teaching? At Pea Ridge High School, students enrolled in the Pre-Educator pathway have the chance to earn college credit and gain valuable experience in the field of education.

Here’s how it works:

Build Your Teaching Portfolio: Throughout the course, you’ll engage in activities that allow you to explore different aspects of teaching, such as lesson planning, classroom management, and educational theories. You'll also have opportunities to observe and assist in real classroom settings, helping you develop the skills needed for a successful teaching career.

Submit Your Work: At the end of the course, your work and experiences will be reviewed, with feedback provided by educators and professionals in the field. This might include reflections, teaching projects, and classroom observations that showcase your growing understanding of the teaching profession.

Earn College Credit: If your work meets the required standards, many colleges and universities offer credit for your efforts, helping you save time and money while you pursue a career in education.

Taking a course in the Pre-Educator pathway not only sets you apart on college applications but also gives you a real-world taste of what it’s like to work in education. You’ll gain hands-on experience and insight that will prepare you for your future as a teacher or educational professional.

As part of the Pre-Educator pathway at Pea Ridge High School, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work directly with elementary students, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the classroom. This real-world exposure is one of the most impactful parts of the program.

Work in the Classroom: Throughout the year, you’ll be placed in elementary classrooms where you’ll assist teachers, interact with students, and even lead small group activities. This hands-on experience allows you to apply what you're learning in class to real teaching situations, helping you develop critical skills like communication, classroom management, and lesson delivery.

Build Relationships with Students: By working directly with younger students, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their learning needs, how they engage with material, and the impact of different teaching strategies. You’ll also have the chance to build meaningful relationships with students, providing support and encouragement as they grow academically.

Prepare for a Future in Education: Your time in the classroom will give you a realistic view of what it’s like to be a teacher. You’ll gain confidence, learn to problem-solve on the fly, and better understand the challenges and rewards of working with young learners.

Educators Rising is a career and technical student organization (CTSO) in which 1) Chapters provide our students a place for support and networking, a strong 2) Curriculum delivers a structured way for students to prepare for their future profession, while 3) Competitions give students a chance to prove themselves as professionals, and 4) Conferences provide a national stage in which to network and be recognized for their achievements to the profession and develop the, 5) Community that comes from being part of a network, a family of professionals, and a movement.