PSD Hosts Teacher Signing Event to Celebrate Graduating Seniors' Commitment to Education

On Wednesday, May 15, Pasco School District (PSD) hosted a Teacher Signing Event to honor graduating seniors who had expressed their dedication to pursuing careers in education. 

This special occasion, reminiscent of the signing events for athletes committing to colleges, aimed to celebrate the dedication of 113 students from Delta, New Horizons, Chiawana, and Pasco High Schools to the noble profession of teaching. These students had been identified as future educators through their counselors or as participants in PSD’s Teaching Academy, a year-long high school course designed to attract students to the field of education and provide relevant information and field experiences for pursuing a degree in education.

The primary objective of the Teaching Academy was to expand bilingual initiatives, offering a sustainable pathway for bilingual students to become educators in the district. The Teaching Academy course provided students with the opportunity to explore careers in education, engage in a practicum work-site experience at an elementary school, and earn college credit through Columbia Basin Community College.

Laura Jones, PSD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director, emphasized the significance of this program, stating, "The Teaching Academy Program provides opportunities for students to learn about education careers. Through the practicum experience, students can experience a day in the life of a teacher and ensure that teaching is the right career fit. One of the primary goals of the program is to grow our own future teachers, providing career development and a strong foundation for students to be successful in completing a teacher preparation program."

Jones continued, highlighting the importance of growing local educators, "Growing our own teachers in Pasco is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses teacher shortages by nurturing and supporting aspiring educators within our community. Additionally, it allows us to identify and support individuals from diverse backgrounds who can better understand the unique needs and perspectives of our students, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment."

The event featured a ceremonial signing where students signed a letter of intent, expressing their commitment to pursuing a college degree to become educators. Superintendent Michelle Whitney signed the document, demonstrating the district's investment in the success of these future educators.

Students in attendance also received instructions on how to apply to PSD once they graduate and complete their teaching credentials, along with a leather binder to take with them on future interviews.