From creating lesson plans to interacting with children one-on-one, the Teaching Academy sets up future educators for success. At Coral Gables Senior High, the Teaching Academy has been running for three years as part of the Design, Education, and Hospitality Academy. Under the leadership of Mrs. Passwaters, students in the program are provided with numerous opportunities to advance in the education field, helping them save both time and money in the future. Undergoing various changes over the past few years, this year, Mrs. Passwaters has ingenious and exciting plans for the students.
“My goal for the program is that they would become teachers who care about their students and the students’ future, later on in their future. I also want them to realize what they want to pursue in life, because it makes the process so much easier, especially now that the class offers a certification. They can graduate with their professional certification, which is a really big deal,” Mrs. Passwaters said.
Expected to watch, listen and record children’s behaviors and actions, students have a minimum observation hour goal to complete, with the required hours varying by different levels. By spending time with the Little Cavaliers, students gain experience in working with the children and a better understanding of their learning styles and habits while meeting their observation hour requirement.
“I think because the program is pretty new, it’s mostly growing. Starting next week, they have observations where they go to different teachers of different subjects, and observe the teachers based on what we learned in class, and then reflect on how they would use that teacher’s methods, like as a future teacher themselves. I’m hoping to separate the different levels so level two can do more difficult projects,” Mrs. Passwaters said.
Heavily involved with the Little Cavaliers at Gables, the Teaching Academy allows children from toddler to preschool ages to experience creative projects curated by students. Creating fun-filled events for the Little Cavaliers, the Teaching Academy runs holiday-themed projects such as the Halloween Carnival, an annual tradition where students do a variety of Halloween-themed activities. Preparing booths filled with various activities ranging from ring toss to face paint, the Teaching Academy ensures the children are engaged. As they run the booths and entertain the children, they offer their assistance with the activities. Throughout the event, the Little Cavaliers trick-or-treat around the school, visiting teachers and brightening everyone’s day.
Affiliated with Miami-Dade College, students in the Teaching Academy are able to earn up to 8 college credits toward pursuing a career in education. Maintaining a close partnership with Gables, MDC is willing to shape and mentor the Teaching Academy whether that be welcoming Cavaliers onto their campus for field trips to engage in hands-on activities or personally delivering shirts. Applying their knowledge to create an innovative curriculum for preschoolers, students manage the duties of a preschool by maintaining a safe environment and supporting the children.
“As of now, I aspire to be an Early Education Teacher. Having worked with the Little [Cavaliers], I am lucky to already know how to write a lesson plan based on the needs of the students. I also know how important teacher-student relationships are, and I’m grateful to have learned this throughout high school to be more prepared for the future,” sophomore Thalia Miller said.
Taking advantage of the academy’s classes, students who participate receive their teaching certification after four years. Provided free of charge, the certification allows graduates to meet the legal requirements to go directly into teaching beyond high school. Upon graduation, they will be well-prepared to enter the workforce thanks to the experience they gained during their time at Gables.
Benefitting both teachers and students, the Teaching Academy is responsible for organizing Teacher Appreciation Week, a week dedicated to appreciating the hard work of teachers throughout the Gables. During this week, the academy offers treats such as coffee to show appreciation. Preparing the table and treats prior to the event, students shower teachers with love and a variety of goodies.
Impacting students, Little Cavaliers, and teachers alike, the Teaching Academy serves as a stepping stone for students to excel in the future. Through the partnership with MDC, students will have a head start when they reach college, cohesively transitioning into the workforce. Working towards their preschool certification at no cost, students continue to persevere.
“After I graduate high school, I’d like to go to college, graduate with a double major in education and something else. My goal is to teach younger kids and create memories for them to remember when they’re older, and something I’ve learned from the time I’ve spent with the children is that it’s definitely worth choosing a career in education if you really love it,” freshman Julia O’meara said.
