This blog has been transcribed from an AmeriCorps Great Stories assignment written by Alyssa Campbell, Cohort 8, teacher and resident graduate of the Educator Academy. It has been formatted to fit a blog about the residency program. All edits that have been made are for legibility purposes only.

The Decision to Pursue Teaching Certification in the Residency Program

Alyssa Campbell entered the Residency Program with six years of teaching experience, She came to the residency because of the profound callingto teaching that she felt. Despite having the option to settle into another long-term substitute teaching position, Alyssa chose to pursue certification and a degree, recognizing the ever-evolving landscape of education. The mission of The Educator Academy—to create ‘highly effective’ teachers—resonated with her aspiration to transform from being merely good at teaching to becoming great.

At The Educator Academy, we strive to develop our teachers into effective, compassionate, and antiracist educators who work to ensure kids receive a quality education. We do this through a teacher residency and fellowship model, allowing participants to hone their teaching skills by serving as teachers. Like so many of our participants, Alyssa chose our teacher residency program, and for her, she would embark on a new journey by becoming an educator in Kansas City, KS, .

Embracing Growth and Mentorship in the Residency Program

Every teacher resident in our program has a mentor teacher to allow for a gradual release model into teaching responsibilities. During the first year of the program, residents teach in a mentor teacher’s classroom, where they can learn and grow as educators. While many teacher preparation models emphasize coursework for preparation, our model emphasizes hands-on experience with students. Residents spend 1 day a week in The Educator Academy coursework and 4 days in their mentor teacher’s classroom. This setup exposes them to the ins and outs of the classroom while providing them with the support of a mentor teacher. As Alyssa began her journey in the Residency Program, she carried with her a blend of confidence in her existing knowledge and a keen awareness of herroom for growth.

Lifelong Learning: A Key Takeaway

Throughout her journey, Alyssa listened intently to her mentor and coach, implementing new strategies feedback. Committing to the Residency was the right decision for her, as the learning experience has surpassed any traditional teaching program.

In addition to the program, Alyssa has read about education in America during her personal time. This exploration has deepened her understanding of her students and how best to address their academic needs. By the end of this academic year, Alyssa’s goal is clear—to declare that learning never stops. She aspires to be more than just a teacher; she wants to remain a lifelong student. She believes Pedagogy is a lifelong journey, and as she continues to grow, her commitment to being a highly effective teacher remains unwavering. Every day is an opportunity to evolve, and Alyssa is determined to make the most of it.