Winston-Salem program trains next generation of teachers
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Teacher turnover and vacancy rates are rising in North Carolina, but one group is trying to attract and retain new teachers by showing them what it means to be a part of one Triad city.
Haleigh Horne and Zyaira James aren't from Winston-Salem or even North Carolina, but they're able to connect with their students at Diggs-Latham in a way like never before thanks to Winston-Salem Teach.
"We can't teach kids if they're not comfortable with us," James said.
Kate Allman is the executive director of the group and got the idea off the ground a few years ago with the help of other education leaders.
"Before COVID, there was the idea of, 'Can we find a way for all three institutions who prepare teachers to support a local need, particularly a local need of our school district?'" Allman said. "Our program is really about connecting them to the true story of a Title One school. Not coming from a deficit model but really recognizing all the strengths.
The students who apply have various backgrounds. Some are in the midst of their undergraduate degree. Others are long past their college degree and working in other fields.
If they're selected, they'll get their master's degree at either Winston-Salem State University, Salem College or Wake Forest University, depending on the level of education they would like to teach. Fellows will also get their teaching certificate in the meantime along with a stipend and tuition funds. Then they teach in the district for three years.
"I can truly focus on my studies and becoming a better person and a better teacher and a better leader, and I think that's what's most important for me about the program," said Danyelle Beamon, who is one of the current fellows.
The first cohort was made up of seven teachers who are all in the classroom now. The second cohort learning and preparing has 15 people.
On top of their studies, program leaders host regular meetings and seminars to help fellows focus on how to be better teachers.
"They give us usable tools and things we can bring into the classrooms we're learning and in the ones we'll be teaching," said Ryan Harris, who is a current fellow.
Those meetings and seminars help students understand the history of Winston-Salem with tours and lessons to see how that history shapes and challenges a school. It also allows them to get in touch with their own background to see how their own experience can help their kids.
"The kids shouldn't be working for the schools. The education should be working for them. This program allows us to take new educators that are passionate and really empower the students," said Anna Breaugh, who is a current fellow.
Horne and James already feel the impact of the training in the classroom.
"We did a tour of the city. For someone who is not from Winston-Salem, it's very important to know where your students are from and what their neighborhood looks like. A lot of them don't have the same family, don't have the same parents, don't have the same background," James said.
With shortages impacting districts across North Carolina, the program couldn't come at a better time.
"I feel like it could really help close that gap because we don't just want teachers. We want quality teachers, and I feel like that's definitely what the program is putting out," Horne said.
If you're interested in learning more or applying to be a fellow visit winstonsalemteach.com
