Salem High School

Salem, Missouri

Teacher: John Hendricks

 

Youth Apprenticeships

By ReVay Crocker

 

Youth apprenticeships are very valuable to many people. A number of students receive more education from hands-on training and classes than they do by reading a book. The experience definitely makes a difference in ability. A lot of schools have great programs that help students explore their future careers. These programs, however, have room for improvements and could be adjusted to serve the community better.

       

I am a part of an extracurricular club called FTA, Future Teachers of America. In this program I have the opportunity to cadet teach. This means I go to a nearby elementary school for two hours every day during my regularly scheduled classes.

      

 I cadet teach for a second grade class. The teacher I observe under and help is Miss Karen Rinehart. I grade papers, run off tests and worksheets, and do many other time consuming jobs that often weigh down teachers. While I am completing these tasks, I also have the opportunity to see how Miss Rinehart does activities and projects. I get to see many great methods which I would have never tough of on my own before. The best part of cadet teaching, however, is the interaction with the kids and the environment. It not only shows me what my strengths are, but also my weaknesses, which I need to focus on. I can see when I get frustrated, and notice that that is on area I will need to work on and concentrate to improve.

       

I get to see the real responsibilities that teachers have and learn from them. If I do become a teacher, I will be more prepared for the job. I feel that cadet teaching has helped me to determine what I should expect, and I expect it to continue to help me.  Future Teachers of America is a wonderful experience for students who want to be teachers.

       

Although the FTA program is terrific, it is, in my opinion, not broad enough. We have groups for teachers, business leaders, homemakers, and farmers. What about the other careers students are interested in? Many students I know would like to major in other specific occupations. Some popular majors are listed in the following: doctors and other medical careers, lawyers, policemen, and small business owners. My solution is that more clubs that are suitable to these students’ career goals are created.

       

Hospitals could take in members of “Future Doctors of America”. A student could do different medical work that could possibly be required in their future employment. This would be beneficial to the student and the medical center that is involved. Just like cadet teaching does for educational careers, this would allow future doctors to explore medical careers. Many high school graduates go into college to major in a medical related field and are often surprised by the jobs and surroundings. This program would give the students a preview to their wanted occupation.

       

Members of “Future Lawyers of America” could be assigned to a person in the justice system.  They could learn to file cases and visit with their employers. The students could receive the opportunity to observe in courtrooms and watch the actual process. The only way to gain that experience is by being there first hand.

       

Some occupations, such as police force and fire fighters, are too dangerous to allow high school students to get too close to them. However, in those careers, there are also many other tasks that are safer, but still show what the job consists of. By allowing students to stay at the station, they are safe, but are still being exposed to their future occupation.  The students would not get the action training, but would still receive the experience of that job.

       

Though small businesses are similar to those discussed in Future Business Leaders of America; they also have their differences. Small business owners often have plenty of work to take care of, and have a small number of employees to do it. Student’s that are interested could be a large help.

 

Because knowing and understanding the responsibilities of these owners can only be learned by first hand interactions, this program would be perfect for interested students.

       

These programs, along with the preexisting groups, would be a great benefit to future employees and an incredible experience for the students. The community’s employers should take advantage of this great opportunity. Because students are being graded on their effort, both parties of the program would gain a lot. The students gain wonderful learning experiences and an early start to good work ethics. Neither of those can be taught any better in a book, than by practice. School-to-work programs are major influences that help students accomplish their career goals. Programs such as the cadet teaching experience should be opened and expanded to fit everyone’s needs.  [Back]