For students wondering what it’s like to stand at the front of the room instead of at a desk, a new course offers an early, hands-on look at the world of teaching.

Created by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) and offered in partnership with Rider University, the Tomorrow’s Teachers class is a full-year, five-credit dual enrollment opportunity to explore teaching as a profession. 

Tomorrow’s Teachers blends college-style instruction and real classroom exposure. Students study educational psychology, learning styles, and meaningful lesson planning.

For senior Samantha Ferretti, one of the original students to express interest, the program is something she’d hoped for to explore careers during high school. “I approached [superintendent David] Mango and asked if there was anything teaching-related we could implement at KHS since it’s a job I am interested in.” When Curriculum Director Lauren Thomas introduced the CERRA program to her, Ferretti was “very excited because teachers are such a crucial part of life.”

Additionally, Ferretti said that early classroom exposure has helped her understand the work teachers do daily. “We’ve been at Kiel and PRM, and seeing real classrooms has opened my eyes to how much goes on behind the scenes.”

Meanwhile, English teacher and supervisor Karen Jeczo, who leads the class, said Thomas came to her with the program idea last year. “There was some student interest, and [she] asked me if I would like to take that on. I was so excited, and I immediately said yes.”

Jeczo held several interest meetings to confirm that enough students were committed to the program. The district then partnered with Rider University, and Jeczo completed the required two-day summer training program.

To qualify, students needed to attend an interest meeting, submit two teacher recommendations, and be in good academic standing. 

Once enrolled, students quickly discovered how different teaching looks from the front of the room. “We’ve been learning why kids do what they do, how they develop, and the psychology behind it,” Ferretti said. One standout assignment for her was creating a children’s book and reading it aloud to kindergarten students. 

A major component of the course is applying what students learn in local classrooms. So far, they have spent time assisting at Kiel and Pearl R. Miller. “My students have already been up in PRM teaching classes, and we’re doing a lot more enrichment outside of the curriculum,” Jeczo said. “This is our class, and we’re all in this together. This is a legacy. This is the first time this class has ever been taught in the district, and it’s going to be what we make of it.”

Starting in January, students will complete weekly placements in schools across the district for additional teaching experience. “They’ll be going over one or two days a week to work with students in other buildings and getting real experience.”

Jeczo said the heart of the program goes beyond lesson plans: “What I always hope for my students is that they take away empathy and compassion. Understanding that many different factors impact a student on a daily basis. There’s more to teaching than just delivering a lesson.”

Already, she is seeing her students naturally grow into those qualities. “I am so proud of every single one of them. They’re all going to be those special teachers; the ones students go to when things get tough. I can already see them exuding those characteristics,” Jeczo said.

Similarly, junior Natalia Carvajal in the Tomorrow’s Teachers class feels the same personal growth. “We’ve been creating our own way of education, and I’ve learned how to accommodate different people.”

As for the future, all participants hope the program will continue to impact students and teachers of all ages. Carvajal said, “I hope future students will find their love for teaching, too. I know this class will help them find that.”

Jeczo envisions the program expanding in the coming years. “I hope it grows exponentially. Even if students don’t major in education, this gives them early exposure so they can make the decision going forward.”

Though only in its first year, Tomorrow’s Teachers is reshaping how students view school. Students hope to finish the course with not just career clarity, but confidence, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the work that shapes every school day.