WHAT is the Teacher Cadet program?

The Teacher Cadet program is offered to high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in education. Areas of study include the developmental characteristics of the school-aged child, teaching strategies, journal writing, lesson planning, development of a resource file, and work-based learning in a local elementary or middle school classroom.

It can be your ticket to a great job. It's offered at the Saginaw Career Complex for students like you who want to learn real skills - in the classroom and on the job - and get a head start on a career.

WHY should I take the Teacher Cadet program?

Classes at the Saginaw Career Complex are different than those offered at your home high school. You learn by doing—not just reading, listening, and memorizing. And you learn out in the real world, on-the-job, with real people. The Saginaw Career Complex's Teacher Cadet program gives students the opportunity to get into actual classrooms for three days a week, while they continue to learn the methods and theories of teaching at this level.

You will also earn a competency certificate in the Teacher Cadet program from the Saginaw Career Complex, which says you've learned actual job skills at high standards set by business and industry. Your parents will love it, so will colleges and employers.

WHAT will I learn in the Teacher Cadet program?

Students in the Teacher Cadet program will receive instruction and gain experience in the following areas:

• Child development, birth to adolescence
• Educational theories
• Lesson planning
• Journal writing
• Positive guidance and classroom management
• Community resources
• Portfolio/Resource guide development
• Personal Management and Employability skills
• Teamwork
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving

For more specific areas of study click here to see more about the curriculum.

WHAT are my job prospects?

Excellent in some areas of the country, and average to below average in other parts of the country.  Overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to increase through the year 2008. The expected retirement of a large number of teachers currently in their 40's and 50's should open up many additional jobs.

WHERE can I go after completing the program?

Your training in the Teacher Cadet program gives you an opportunity to advance with:

• Entry-Level Employment- After completing this program, students might begin their careers in preschools, day care centers, and elementary schools.

• Continued Education - Students can continue their education with the advantage of articulating college credits at the same time students are earning their high school diploma, and they don't have to pay for it! After successfully completing the program, students may articulate credits at Delta College. The articulation process will give students a head start on their post-secondary education, as well as saving them a considerable sum of money.

WHO is the teacher?

Ms. Carol Emrich, a well-seasoned teacher herself, is very prepared to instruct the seniors in her Teacher Cadet program. Her formal education includes a Bachelor's Degree from Gettysburg College, a Master's Degree from Saginaw Valley State University, and Vocational Certification from Western Michigan University. In addition, Ms. Emrich has also received practical experience in the classroom as the Coordinator and Instructor in the Nanny Training Program at Delta College and as the Director of Kid's Korner at the Salvation Army Day Care Center. Currently, Ms. Emrich also spends part of her day teaching in the Early Childhood Education program at the Saginaw Career Complex. Now, here is a teacher who teaches others to teach!

WHAT are the admission requirements?

Students admitted to the Teacher Cadet program at the Saginaw Career Complex must:

• Have an interest in a career in education
• Be a high school senior
• Be on track for high school graduation
• Have good attendance habits
• Be willing to attend the Saginaw Career Complex and participate in a work-based learning facility for half the school day
• Have a 2.0 GPA
• Have two recommendations
• Write a paragraph describing his/her interest in teaching

WHAT does it cost?

Nothing! Eligible high school students may attend free of charge.

HOW do I enroll?

You can enroll by completing just a few easy steps. Click here to get started:

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