On a new Teachers' Lounge, Leslie Bradley and Brooke May! They are the Vienna High School teachers who lead the Southern Illinois Future Teachers Coalition.
As you can probably guess, it's designed to find and recruit the next generation of educators. You've maybe heard us talk about how teacher shortages have made it difficult for some school districts in the region to hire enough teachers, so the coalition is working to grow the local educator pipeline.
The effort is a collaboration between the Illinois State Board of Education, Southern Illinois University, several community colleges and 25 school districts in southern Illinois.
The coalition provides students with opportunities and experiences that introduce them to the classroom early, helping them determine whether education is the right career path while supporting them throughout their academic journey.
The program also emphasizes that students can build successful lives and careers in southern Illinois. They do not have to leave the region to find opportunities.
SHOW NOTES
Educator(s) in this episode:
Leslie Bradley and Brooke May
Music: Our show's theme music is from the northern Illinois-based band Kindoves, featuring the songs "Popn," "Origins" and "Quiche." You can find more of their music on their SoundCloud page. You can also listen to the episode of WNIJ's Sessions from Studio A where they were featured.
Teachers! People who know teachers! People with stories about teachers! Send us an email and be part of the show!
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
