The Ready, Set, Teach program gives high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real classrooms before they graduate.

“The biggest eye opener for me this year in RST has been learning that every student is not the same,” junior Alex Miranda said. “I didn’t realize how much of a factor something can have on someone’s learning. Whether it’s a home issue, friend issue, or an academic issue, these play a huge role in why some students struggle. This has helped me want to connect with students very well and remember that no child is the same.”

The program is taught by education teacher Deanna Bentley and lasts two class periods each day. During that time, students leave campus, drive to local elementary and middle schools, assist teachers in classrooms, and return for the remainder of their classes.

“I knew I wanted to join Ready, Set, Teach because I’ve wanted to be a teacher since seventh grade,” senior Audrey Merchant said. “School was always hard for me growing up, and that inspired me to want to make a difference for my future students. I want to be the kind of teacher who understands and helps kids who might be struggling like I did.”

The program includes multiple levels of coursework, starting with Principles of Education. As students progress through the different levels, they gain more responsibility and form meaningful connections with the students they work with.

“Last year in Ready to Teach II, I was placed in Miss Schneider’s first grade class at GVHE,” Merchant said. “I worked with a student who had just moved from Mexico and was partially nonverbal. Watching him grow and learn to communicate using a vocal tablet was such an amazing experience. It really showed me that every student can grow and succeed with the right support.”

According to students, in addition to classroom experience, the program also prepares them with professional skills such as communication, resume building, and workplace responsibility.

“I would definitely recommend this class for a few reasons,” Miranda said. “If you want more than just a class and you’re looking to build connections and meet new people, this is the right class for you. Over the last two years, I have become very close to many of the people in Ready, Set, Teach, almost as if they are like a ‘family.’ It really is a great class to join.”