Brought To You By Rapides Parish School Board; Written by Mary Helen Downey
In a celebration typically reserved for athletes, 16 high school seniors from across our district took part in a different kind of signing ceremony last week, declaring their commitment to a profession that shapes the future–teaching.
These students, participants in the innovative Educators Rising program, were honored during Senior Signing Days held mid-April. The ceremonies mirrored athletic signings, with students formally announcing their college choices and pledging to pursue careers in education.
The Educators Rising program, a national initiative designed to cultivate teachers from within local communities, offered these high school students hands-on teaching experience and mentorship opportunities. Participants explored educational theory, developed classroom management skills, and gained practical experience through classroom observations in classrooms throughout the parish.
Eight different universities welcomed these future educators, highlighting the strong partnerships between our district schools and higher education institutions. These connections provided streamlined pathways from high school teaching programs to college education departments, often including scholarship opportunities.
Research consistently shows that teachers who come from the communities they serve bring valuable cultural understanding and connection to their classrooms. Many graduates who completed the Educators Rising program have returned to teach locally, creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified, community-invested educators.
The signing ceremonies took place at several high schools from Alexandria Senior High, to Pineville High School, to Rapides High School.
The signing events were made even more memorable with family members, schools, current teachers, and university representatives in attendance to celebrate these future education leaders.
