Every day, future educators sit in Leander ISD classrooms. Through the Teaching and Training Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway in high school, students can explore careers in education and take courses that introduce them to the profession.
Vandegrift High School senior Maddie Hodges has always loved working with children and knew she wanted to build a career helping students. But when she entered high school, she wasn’t sure where to begin. While selecting courses her sophomore year, she and a friend discovered the Ready, Set, Teach program. The decision to join the program, she now says, is one of the best she’s ever made.
What began as a simple, life-long interest quickly grew into a clear passion.
“Teaching was always something I considered, but it wasn’t until I joined the Ready, Set, Teach program that I truly realized that this is what I want to do,” Hodges said.
The Ready, Set, Teach program allows students to gain real-world experience in a Leander ISD classroom. They work with other students, plan and teach lessons and assist with other daily responsibilities. After earning their educational aide certification, participants of the program are guaranteed a job interview with the district, ensuring continued support and opportunities beyond graduation.
As part of her Practicum in Education and Training course, Hodges shadows Caroline McCrea, a kindergarten teacher at Steiner Ranch Elementary.
“Being able to observe a successful teacher every day is such a gift,” Hodges said. “Working with Ms. McCrea has been an incredible experience. Assisting her in the classroom and helping students with their learning has helped me grow.”
As students progress through the program, their mentors are there to help guide them.
“One of the best parts of this program is the support I receive,” Hodges said. “Between Ms. McCrea and Mrs. Bentley, my practicum teacher, I feel encouraged and supported in every aspect of the class and the teaching profession. They are always willing to answer my questions, share real-life experiences, offer advice, and be someone I can turn to whenever I feel unsure.”
For McCrea, mentoring Hodges is a full-circle moment. She herself went through the Ready, Set, Teach program when she was a student at Vandegrift High School.
“While in the Ready, Set, Teach program, I developed a passion for teaching and making learning fun for students,” McCrea said. “I also learned how to form strong relationships with students, which helps me be a better teacher. The program truly prepared me for my college major in education and the coursework involved.”
Now, with several years of experience in the classroom, McCrea is thankful for the opportunity to give back.
“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to invest back into the program that hugely influenced and encouraged me into teaching by having Maddie in my classroom,” McCrea said. “I feel that I am getting to pass on what I learned within the program in high school as well as new things I’ve learned teaching kindergarten.”
Hodges says the experience has confirmed her future path.
“Programs like Ready, Set, Teach are so important for Leander ISD because they truly prepare students for future careers,” Hodges said. “It allows students to experience all aspects of the profession before fully committing to it. This is a program I will always cherish being a part of, as it has allowed me to grow my love for education and expand my knowledge while still in high school, something I am incredibly grateful for.”
