The debut Introduction to Teaching and Education course at Windsor Central High School succeeded in doing more than giving students a window into the techniques and strategies of running a classroom.

“Before the class, there were kids on the edge of not knowing if they wanted to teach. Now, they definitely want to do it,” said teacher Heather Herringshaw.

All 18 students who took Foundations of Education in the fall are moving on to the Special Topics in Professions in Education class for the spring semester.

 

 

The spring class will introduce and explore the interrelatedness of all careers within education from Pre-K through higher education including administration and teaching at every level: elementary, middle and high school, post-secondary, district office administration, guidance counselors, school social worker, school psychologist, arts education, special education, and support staff.  

“Students will develop a deep and rich understanding of each position with class trips to visit personnel, and guests invited to class to personalize the position and explain the job expectations,” said Herringshaw.

During the fall semester, students compiled 30 hours of classroom observation time, mostly in the Windsor district. However, the class took two trips to schools outside of the district: Jennie F Snapp in Endicott and Johnson City Middle School.

“On our first trip to U-E, students said to me, ‘You’re not coming to the class with us?’ By the time we went to Johnson City, no one needed me anymore,” said Herringshaw.

The full-year course is also good for six credits at SUNY Broome. Students at Windsor actually register for 2 courses through SUNY Broome: EDU 111 Foundations of Education for the Fall, and ECE 255 Special Topics in Professions in Education in the spring.

 

 

This spring, the students will continue to study how food insecurity can affect the ability to learn, take a trip to SUNY Cortland and work on resumes.

“We want students to know they can make a difference. We need good people in the education field, and it can give you a great life,” said Herringshaw.