With a focus on education, one Duval County Public Schools program is creating a pipeline for students who want to be the newest generation of educators in Duval classrooms.
The Early College Education Academy — available at First Coast High School and Westside High School — is an accelerated program equipping students for both college and a career.
Leaders say they are meeting a need – bringing in new and qualified teachers to the district.
“Our goal is to give students that in class experience. Not just observations with students, but that hands-on experience so that they can get a gauge of what they may want to do,” says Crystal Tyson, the Early College Lead at First Coast High School.
What’s more is that students who complete the program will graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree – free of charge.
“Once they finish our program, they’ll have their associate degree, they’ll go on to finish their final two years of school, and then they will be perfect candidates to come right back into Duval County and become teachers and educators in our district,” says Tyson.
Our Team Duval News cameras were rolling at First Coast High School as participating students spent time in the classroom.
Watch this video to learn more about the Early College Education Academy, and to hear why students say they’re gaining a new appreciation for the profession.
Original source can be found here.
