Community Spotlight: Future Educators Club
Photos submitted by Hamilton’s Future Educators Club
Do you enjoy working with children? Do you find a particular subject fascinating? Are you up for something challenging, always changing, and rewarding? Those are the questions that prompted students to join the Future Educators Club at Hamilton this fall. Their “yesses” encouraged them to join the organization that appeals to students interested in becoming teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors.
Macey St. Louis, a Hamilton freshman, states, “I joined this club because I wanted to learn more about being a teacher. Being a teacher has always been something I wanted to do, so I figured that I should try the Future Educators Club. If you were looking into the educator career, I would recommend joining this fun and knowledgeable club.”
Sophomore Izzy Prochaza adds, “From the age of 12 when I first started babysitting, I knew when I grew up that I wanted to find an occupation that works with children. For a long time, I have been trying to figure out what job I would love more: nursing or teaching elementary education. Joining Future Educators Club gave me insight into what it would be like to be a teacher in the education field.”
This year, with much “social distancing,” students have been able to meet after school on the first Monday of the month. Thus far, the club has been able to hear from Ms. Hasbrook, who shared information about what future educators should consider when looking at colleges (and what high school students can do in high school to explore the career). In November, representatives of Hamilton’s “veteran” teaching core described their experiences in and out of the classroom, revealing “the good, the bad, and the ugly” about the profession. In March, “rookie” teachers will also be guest panelists and impart their impressions of the struggles and rewards as the instructor of high school students. Recently graduated, they will also be able to provide recent developments in the requirements for gaining licensure in Wisconsin as well as courses and placements that vary between universities.
Prochaza states, “During each meeting, you can talk and ask questions to a variety of teachers and learn about how they found their love for teaching. I would highly recommend joining Future Educators Club. I not only made new friends, but was able to build relationships with teachers in the building.”
In non-Covid years, college students who are currently in an education program have shared their experiences and suggestions as have representatives from universities such as Cardinal Stritch. In past years, club members have also worked cooperatively with teachers throughout the district and volunteered at family events at Marcy Elementary and Silver Spring Intermediate School. Last year members also made winter posters to assist kindergarten teachers at Woodside review counting concepts.
Currently, the club is recognizing the efforts of Hamilton High School staff and will soon be assisting in the distribution of t-shirts that Hamilton District Staff have purchased to raise funds for the Hamilton Future Educators Scholarship Fund. Administrators, para-professionals, and teachers are purchasing attire that will grant funds to Hamilton High School graduates who are in their final year of a teacher-preparatory program and club members.
