Seniors Explore Teaching Careers in New Mentorship Program

Three students from Mrs. April Dull's Child Development and Preschool Education program participated in a new mentorship pilot program at Richland Elementary this school year. Seniors Bella Fritz, Reese Lion, and Addilyn Nichols used Pine-Richland High School's Senior Flex program to participate before they head to college to pursue teaching degrees.

As part of the mentorship program, students interned with Richland Elementary teachers Mrs. Bonnie Allessi, Mrs. Melinda Bell, and Mrs. Julia Strejcek for a minimum of six hours per week. They worked in a variety of educational settings, including general education classrooms, reading support, and other instructional environments. 

"Mentoring at Richland has given me the most amazing hands-on experience and has 100% confirmed that pursuing elementary education is definitely what I want to do for the rest of my life," said Bella. "I have made the most wonderful relationships with students and had the opportunity to watch them grow throughout the year. I have made real and deep connections with students who may not have been able to find their place at school yet. It definitely gave me hope for the future and made my senior year so much more enjoyable."

"This program has impacted me in ways I could have never expected," added Addilyn. "Not only do I now know without a doubt that I want to be a teacher, but I got experience I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. Whether I was observing, working with a group of kids, working one-on-one, checking papers, making copies, or designing and executing a bulletin board, I was constantly learning all year. I hope I have helped these kids learn and grow as much as they have helped me!"

Pine-Richland High School’s Senior Flex program allows seniors to carry a reduced class load and be excused for work or to attend college classes. Students must be able to meet graduation requirements while participating, and they must work with their school counselor to apply and develop a schedule. 

Planning for this mentorship program began last school year. Students selected for participation were required to successfully complete Child Development coursework, participate in preparatory training, maintain a Senior Flex schedule, and commit to the weekly internship expectations.

"I am so grateful that I got to be a part of this mentoring program, and I know it will profoundly impact every student who is lucky enough to experience it!" said Addilyn.