Academy helps gives students hands-on teaching experience
Monday, May 12, 2008
HAMILTON — Patrick Bourne believes he can make a difference.
A Hamilton High School football player, Bourne has known for years he wanted to coach when he graduated and had thought about teaching.
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But it wasn't until Molly Merz, instructor of the HHS teacher academy, approached him about making education his career, that he thought to himself, "yea, I can do that."
"I always wanted to be a teacher to set an example for my family and friends," he said. "I want kids to be successful ... and not go back to the street."
The Teacher Academy offers a rigorous curriculum, which addresses child development, the history of education and the role of education in today's society.
Students are given a glimpse into the world of teaching, which, Bourne said, has taught him "what goes on behind the scenes."
The teacher academy and other programs do an "excellent job of preparing students to enter college," said Herb Dietz, CTE director. "One hundred percent of our teacher academy grads are entering college in the fall and we are very proud of that."
The academy is one of 11 career fields offered through the Hamilton High School Career Technical Education program — including Carpentry and Construction, Cosmetology, Tech Prep Engineering Design, Diversified Health Occupations, Entertainment Marketing and Broadcasting Arts and Automotive Service Technology.
"Big Blue is giving every student more career programs and choices and they are encouraged to do what they really want to do," Merz said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.
