Academy Prepares Tomorrow's Teachers Today D on't be surprised if you see high school students observing and teaching in our elementary and middle schools this year. They're interns with the new Teaching Academy program introduced in Bellevue this fall. According to program director Michelle Leslie , the program gives high school juniors and seniors a chance to take a realistic look at the teaching profession before they enter college. The reason for starting such a program was the high demand for new teachers statewide. More than 35 students signed up for this two-hour a day course for a full year.
Students receive a voctech credit toward graduation and can also earn college credits.
During the first weeks of the class, students observe different grades, K-8. Next they choose between elementary and middle levels. Then they're matched up with a mentor teacher. Students spend three days a week in their assigned classroom. Here they get a chance to perform many classroom duties including observing, tutoring, grading, supervising and eventually teaching under the guidance of their mentor teacher.