Students who are interested in a teaching career can start at Manchester Township High School. Interested in teaching? The Tomorrow’s Teachers course is the answer for you! This course allows juniors and seniors interested in teaching in the future to get a head start. 

According to Future Educators of TCNJ, “Tomorrow’s Teachers was established in 2007 as a curricular program for high school juniors and seniors interesting in pursuing a teaching career.” The website also says, “The course offers students valuable insight into the rewards and challenges of being an educator and the critical issues affecting the quality of education in American schools. It also equips these aspiring teachers with an awareness about teaching and learning that empowers them to become community leaders and advocates for education.”

Senior Olivia Wilson has taken the class for the past two years. Upon asking her how she heard of the class, Wilson said, “I saw this class in the document the school sends out every year.” When asked what made her want to take the class she said, “I wanted to take this class simply because I always wanted to be a teacher. So this was clearly the class for me.” 

Wilson was also asked, Would you recommend this class for upcoming juniors and seniors?” Wilson replied, “I recommend this class to anyone interested or even thinking about being involved in education. It gives good insight into what it’s like being a teacher and the basic needs of children education.” Wilson stated, “It’s a small class with a wonderful teacher. You can learn a lot and are able to really focus on your future education. You are also given lots of hands-on experience and are also able to go to work in an actual classroom.”

Junior Casey Cribbin s taking the class for the first time. Being asked the same questions Casey Cribbin said, “ I heard about this class last school year while choosing classes and since I was little I wanted to be a teacher. Seeing a class like this that can help me pursue my passion was very exciting.” Cribbin also said, “ This class can offer many different things that college classes in this major offer. Such as working with children and learning about different types of learning styles in the classroom.”

When asked if she would recommend this class to juniors and seniors, Cribbin said, “I would recommend this class to upcoming juniors and seniors who are interested in teaching. I wouldn’t recommend it to people who want an easy class, or just want something to give them an easy 100. I would recommend this class to people who want to pursue teaching as a career.”

Samantha Verdi, senior, who is also taking this class as a first year student was asked the same question. Verdi said, “My first time hearing of Tomorrow’s Teachers was when I heard some of my friends talk about how they taught classes at the elementary school for one of their assignments. I thought that was kinda cool, so I found out more information about it.” 

Verdi also said, “ I was interested in taking Tomorrow’s Teaches because I am considering a teaching career.” when asked why she was interested in taking the class, she stated “ I would recommend this class for upcoming juniors and seniors because you can learn a lot from this class, even if you aren’t considering teaching as your career,” Verdi said when asked if she would recommend this class for upcoming juniors and seniors.

Mrs. Staples, English teacher, is in charge of the Tomorrow’s Teachers class. When asked, What interested her on teaching the class, Mrs. Staples said, “I was recruited as the Future Educator’s advisor as a newer teacher here in the district, and attended an NJFEA Conference that allowed students to meet with other future educators and attend college interest meetings.” 

Staples continues, “During the conference, I was granted the opportunity to learn about the newly suggested Tomorrow’s Teacher’s elective that originated in South Carolina. As soon as my students voiced an interest, we presented the information and curriculum to the Board of Education. I attended training, and we even had one or two students interviewed in the local newspaper as they made their plea to offer the course. The minute we got the go-ahead, I knew this course would impact so many of our students and I have truly been blessed to teach the course and grow with the program over the last 12 years.”

Wondering what you learn in the class? Mrs. Staples explains, “The course consists of a mix of EDU 101 and EDU 102 on most NJ college campuses. This would mean some of the material involves psychology, some involve instructional practices and applications, and some surround the process of educational reform, standardized testing, certification, etc. Our students are most impacted by their field experience which allows them to work alongside a district teacher, and become a part of their class for 5-6 weeks. This offers a glimpse of life as a teacher but also introduces the expectations and requirements of most college portfolio tasks.” Staples said.

“There is an application for the course that requires three teacher recommendations as well as an essay submission; in some cases, an interview is also required if students do not meet the GPA requirements or have had past attendance issues.” Staples said when asked what is needed to be completed in order to take the class.

Staples would like to add, “This is a full year course following an A/B schedule. Students who are interested in applying should definitely begin the process in the Spring of their Sophomore or Junior year. This class is fun, flexible, and definitely prepares you for *almost* everything you will experience when you’re in the classroom. If you aren’t interested in ‘being a teacher’, don’t disregard the opportunity — you may surprise yourself and find that it offers insights and experience, you would have missed out on otherwise.”