Serving Rural Schools
Serving Rural Schools Educator Development Specialist Support for Teacher Candidates in Rural Schools At Talent Together, we’re committed to serving educators all across Michigan. We provide support for teacher candidates through our Educator Development Specialist services. Dr. Sara Croney, superintendent for Gwinn Area Community Schools, highlighted the transformative power of educators, stating: “Our greatest strength is a quality, motivated teacher who can change the motivation and beliefs of a child from lukewarm to full steam ahead with achievement! Talent Together teachers are helping to excite our learners to believe they are capable.” Our Educator Development Specialist team provides in-person and online classroom observations, shares helpful resources, and works closely with teacher candidates. Quote by: Kimberly Shoup, Educator Development Specialist at Talent Together “I am continually impressed by the dedication, skill, and hard work I often experience while working with staff in rural schools. Many staff members live in the same community, and their own children attend the school where they work. They have no desire to leave the district once they earn their teacher certification and are committed to contributing to their community by becoming a certified educator.” Keep reading to learn about Eccles, one of the small rural schools that Talent Together serves. If you’d like to get involved, check out these opportunities: Apply to be a teacher Apply to be a teacher leader Contact us to become a Talent Together participating district Make a financial contribution Eccles School, a one room schoolhouse in Harbor Beach, MI Eccles is a historic one-room schoolhouse in Harbor Beach, Michigan. It serves 24 students in kindergarten through 8th grades with personalized, multi-age instruction. Run by the Huron Area ISD under Dr. Nancy Lubeski, Eccles blends its old-fashioned charm with strong special education and therapy programs. This year, Eccles welcomed its largest kindergarten class, with seven students. Two teachers cover all subjects and grade levels. Jodi Geiger is a dedicated paraeducator at Eccles School and a teacher candidate with Talent Together. Jodi says, “I enjoy being able to help students and seeing them make learning progress.” Jodi is pursuing her teacher certification, and we are truly blessed to have her as part of the Talent Together program. Reflecting on her experience, Jodi shares, “Talent Together has been extraordinarily wonderful—checking in on you, helping you through the steps, and always being there if you have questions along the way.” Educator Development Specialists embrace Michigan’s diverse communities, and assist teacher candidates to become strong educators for their schools and students. More information about the rural school districts in Huron County can be found at Huron County Rural Schools.
Spotlight on Sarah Al-Kabour: One Apprentice Teacher’s Message to the US Secretary of Education
When US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visited Glencairn Elementary School in East Lansing to learn about Talent Together, Sarah Al-Kabour—a Kindergarten Apprentice Teacher at Glencairn—knew she wanted to demonstrate the real challenges that aspiring teachers face.
Meet Crystal Boddy: Special Education Apprentice
Meet Crystal Boddy – Special Education Apprentice Apprentice’s Mentor and School Leaders Support Her Growth September 9, 2024 Crystal Boddy, a Special Education Apprentice Teacher, in her classroom. Meet Crystal Boddy, a former paraprofessional at Allegan Area ESA. Crystal is now embarking on her Apprenticeship Year at Talent Together, working side-by-side with her mentor teacher in a special education classroom. In her first month, she is already getting meaningful at-bats with new skills, like writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Crystal’s story highlights how mentors, districts and Talent Together work together to prepare Teacher Candidates to confidently lead their own classrooms. Apprentice-Mentor Relationship The Apprentice-Mentor relationship is at the heart of Talent Together’s apprenticeship model. Although Crystal is just beginning her apprentice experience, she is already drawing inspiration from her mentor. “My mentor teacher is the one that I would base [my future classroom] on. Her classroom is open, welcoming, and honest, and those are things that I love.” From the beginning, Crystal’s mentor established a structured coaching relationship using Talent Together’s Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Standards. “My mentor gave me a document listing all of the things that I need to make sure I am covering, and, for me, that helped. I can look at and decide to see how we are going to meet the requirements together instead of just winging it and having someone just check up on me once in a while.” This direct on-the-job coaching gives Crystal the confidence to tackle new challenges in ways that would otherwise not be possible. “I like that aspect of having support around me – how [Talent Together] is helping lead [my mentor] and she is helping me.” For example, writing an IEP is daunting for many new teachers. But Crystal is already working closely with her mentor on this new skill: “My mentor showed me how and I did a large section. It was a lot, but she helped me navigate the system. I was most concerned about doing the IEPs so I loved having that support.” Strong District Partnerships School administrators play a central role in facilitating the apprenticeship year, and Allegan Area ESA has been an exceptional partner. Thanks to her school leaders, Crystal has had authentic experiences participating in school-wide routines. “So far, the principal has been very supportive. She made sure I was always sitting next to my mentor and immediately invited me to all of the teacher meetings. My mentor started including me in all emails [our school leaders] send.” As Allegan Area ESA invests in Crystal’s development, Crystal looks forward to her continued service at the organization where she’s already deeply embedded. “I really respect all of the staff members at Allegan Area ESA. They have been so supportive, from the superintendent to the principal and other staff members. I can really see myself making a career here.” What can Crystal offer as a piece of advice to future candidates? “If you need support, Talent Together is there for you. If you just follow the steps, you are going to be just fine.” Registered Apprenticeships A registered apprenticeship is a key part of the Talent Together experience. Completing a registered apprenticeship is an opportunity to obtain paid work experience and gain classroom instruction while a teacher candidate completes their final year of coursework. Read More >>
