Cape students learn about becoming teachers

Cape High students considering careers in teaching learned about educational opportunities and pathways to employment at a Jan. 12 forum conducted by district Supervisor of Human Resources Ned Gladfelter.

“Just one teacher can make a difference and change the trajectory of a student’s life,” Gladfelter told about 100 students gathered in the school theater.

A lot of teachers are retiring or near retirement, Gladfelter said.

“This isn’t going to stop, this teacher shortage, so we just need to replenish with a new generation of teachers coming in,” he said.

Several students in the audience raised their hands when Gladfelter asked if they were enrolled in Cape High’s teacher academy pathway that prepares students for a variety of careers in education.

In the program, students can complete internships that allow them to work directly with younger students in district elementary schools.

To gain more experience, he said, students can get involved with coaching or after-school programs, and once they have graduated, they can work in district summer programs.

Gladfelter also outlined the programs for those who want to be paraeducators and teachers, available at all Delaware institutes of higher education.

“We need people with grit and stamina that can do it, because the demands of teachers are high and there’s a lot of expectation there, but it’s so rewarding when you get into the field,” he said.

Cape High will hold an education signing day in May to celebrate the seniors who will pursue teaching degrees after graduation, he said.