Students at River Ridge High School are getting a head start in their teaching careers. The district opened its first 'New Teacher Academy' at the high school this year.
- Program caters to high schoolers who want a career in education
- If they're enrolled all four years, they graduate with 200 hours
- Pasco School District is working with local colleges
Students enrolled in the academy were at Hudson Elementary on Wednesday.
“We call it the '24 Hours to Change a Life," said student, Karlee Bedson. "We are spending 24 hours here at Hudson Elementary to help the students to learn and to grow."
Bedson is in the new academy, where students are currently learning about the career and getting hands-on experience.
“It's really rewarding, it makes me think that I'm doing this for a purpose," she said.
India Annas said this academy actually helped her decide on what she wants to do when she grows up.
“As I started getting more into it I was like, 'I really want to become a teacher and work with other students and know I can make a difference,'" said Annas.
Students who complete the four year academy will have over 200 hours of teaching experience.
That's experience the district plans to benefit from, with hopes the students will return as educators after college.
The district is working with local colleges in hopes students can receive college credits for the course work in the future.