LM April2022_hi

Back row, L to R: Preston Hodges, Sam Fu, Justine Gimer, Abigail Loweinstein. Front row, L to R: Aiden McNamara, Sophie Deck, all from Mahomet-Seymour High School.

Shortage ... cont’d.

as a teacher, you need to find a balance of having all of your students’ best interest in mind. I think this experience can also apply to other things in my day to day life.” Loewenstein added she feels more prepared to take on the role of a classroom teacher someday. “This program helped prepare for my future by addressing some tough situations that can happen in the classroom,” she said. “I think we got a raw view of teaching, including the positives and negatives that can come along with it. I think this experience will help us greatly when working in our own classroom.” Want toKnowMore? To close, we recognize this program is only one piece of the puzzle in addressing the teacher shortage. However, we hope shining light and exposing students to one of the most rewarding careers on the planet will boost the pipeline of future educators. If you’re interested in learning more about how school districts in your region can develop a similar partnership, I am happy to answer any questions. My email address is lhall@ms.k12.il.us. Thank you to: Nick Elder, Justine Gimer, Scott Amerio, Sophie Deck and Abigail Loewenstein for contributing to this article.

shortage and Rantoul is no exception to that,” said Scott Amerio, superintendent of Rantoul Township High School District. “We know that the best way to recruit teachers to our school is to look for those that already have some connection to Rantoul. The Education Pathway provides an excellent opportunity for us to do that and, not only be able to survive this teacher shortage, but recruit a more diverse teaching staff.” What ParticipantsSaid Justine Gimer is a special education teacher at Mahomet- Seymour High School. This year, she had two students (Abigail Loewenstein and Sophie Deck) in the Education Pathways program observing and assisting in her classroom, which serves special needs students in the school’s COMPASS program. “Having future educators in my classroom has been an amazing experience for both of us,” said Gimer. “I love that they can bring their knowledge from their Parkland classes and directly apply them in my room.” Deck said she enjoyed learning more about the teacher’s perspective. “I think this has been super valuable and something I will carry with me,” Deck said. “I am so used to thinking as the student and having my best interest at heart but,

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LM April 2022