Assumption High School students interested in pursuing a career in teaching can get an early start on their training starting next semester, thanks to the district’s participation in a tailored Educators Rising curriculum and platform, and a dual-credit partnership with Nicholls State University.

The high school program is part of the district’s “grow our own” initiative to enhance and grow qualified certified teachers for the Assumption Parish School District. Other district initiatives include assistance to current teachers seeking certification, and the recruitment of college graduates from other career fields and retraining them for a career in education.

“There is a tremendous shortage of teachers in our region, in our state and across the nation. We must take a pro-active approach to cultivating new educators for tomorrow to sustain and build our system,” Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy said.

National reports show 60% of teachers teach within 20 miles of where they went to school, according to PDK International, which is committed to elevating the education profession. PDK International sponsors the Educators Rising curriculum and platform.

Supervisor of Curriculum Jessica Thibodeaux said the high school will offer the Ed Rising 1 class in the spring to juniors and seniors. That class corresponds to the three-credit course EDU 250 at Nicholls State University, allowing students who opt to pursue an education degree at that college to have class credit going into their freshman year.

Currently, six students have enrolled in the spring class, Thibodeaux said, but she said she is hopeful the program will grow and gain greater interest next school year.  The high school is planning to add a second class, Ed Rising 2, in the next school year.  The Ed Rising 1 class will be a pre-requisite for that course, she said.

“Not only is this program helping us build our teaching corps from within, but it is also giving our students an early start and saving on their education,” Thibodeaux said.