Students, are you dreaming of a rewarding career where you make a difference every day? Harrison High School's brand-new Pre-Educator Program, facilitated by Mrs. Lisa Dixon, is the place to start that journey.
Today, students got an incredible look into the teaching profession thanks to a comprehensive presentation by Susan Gilley, Harrison Schools Executive Director of Federal Programs and Instructional Technology.
Mrs. Gilley made it clear that getting your teaching license is no longer a one-size-fits-all process! Unlike in the past, there are now multiple pathways to achieve a teaching certificate—meaning students can choose the route that best fits their life and goals. These paths include:
Traditional University Programs: Earning a bachelor's degree in education.
Alternate Licensure Routes: Options for those with a bachelor's degree in another field who want to transition into teaching.
Mrs. Gilley emphasized that choosing education is choosing "a career that pays off" in the long run, backing up this statement by sharing an informative video that discussed the benefits and significance of teacher retirement.
Students learned about:
Concurrent Credit Options to get a jump start on college.
A variety of scholarships, grants, and funding to make college affordable.
Key Arkansas programs like the Arkansas Teacher Academy (offering significant scholarship funding with a teaching commitment), the State Teacher Education Program (STEP) (loan repayment for teachers in shortage areas), and the Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP) (tuition reimbursement for continuing education).
Mrs. Gilley also highlighted the amazing career benefits of being an educator, including the stability and security of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS) and the valuable, optional T-DROP (Teacher Deferred Retirement Option Plan) for long-term savings!
The future of education starts right here at Harrison High School. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore teaching, connect with mentors, and plan your path to the classroom!
