Buncombe County Schools (BCS) is taking proactive steps to inspire the next generation of educators through its revived Teacher Cadet Program. Funded by generous donors through the Buncombe County Schools Foundation (BCSF), this program provides high school students with hands-on classroom experience, fostering a passion for teaching and equipping them with essential skills.
The Teacher Cadet Program, originally introduced in the early 1990s, was recently resurrected under the leadership of Christy Cheek, Executive Director of BCSF. Recognizing the critical decline in the number of educators, Cheek saw an opportunity to reinstate this initiative as part of a “grow your own” strategy to address the workforce challenges in education.
Now available as a class or club at six BCS high schools, the program gives aspiring teachers an authentic preview of the profession. Students such as Caylee Smart, a teacher cadet from North Buncombe High School, are stepping into classrooms to lead lessons and build confidence in real-time.
This morning, Smart stood before an eighth-grade class at North Buncombe Middle School, teaching a lesson on equations involving lines and slopes. With a commanding presence, she engaged her students, breaking the material into manageable steps before guiding them through group activities. Her mentor, English teacher Andrew Shelton, was full of praise.
“She’s amazing,” said Shelton. “I would trust her to substitute for my class tomorrow if she could.”
This kind of mentorship and hands-on experience is at the heart of the Teacher Cadet Program. Students explore the intricacies of classroom management, lesson planning, and student engagement, all while receiving encouragement and feedback from seasoned educators.
Cheek emphasized the broader implications of the initiative.
“Education forms the foundation of the workforce,” said Cheek. “When we have a shortage of educators, we ultimately face a shortage of capable and skilled workers in every industry.”
By investing in future educators, the Teacher Cadet Program not only strengthens Buncombe County Schools but also contributes to the community’s long-term success. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Buncombe County Schools Foundation and its donors, this program is building a pipeline of passionate, capable teachers who are ready to inspire and lead the next generation.
Tune in to WLOS News 13 tonight, December 5th, at 6:00 PM to learn more about the Teacher Cadet Program.