Holy Cross College wants to get more students interested in becoming teachers.
The college, in Notre Dame, launched a dual-enrollment program designed to introduce high school students to the teaching profession.
“The goal of the dual-enrollment program is to create an easily accessible, flexible, and equitable pathway to the education profession and to increase the number and diversity of individuals attracted to teaching,” said Julie Johnson, instructor of education and TEACH for Indiana program director.
The dual-enrollment program is free to high school students who can earn college and high school credits. Students can earn 20 credits during the two-year program.
Students are assigned to a South Bend elementary school in a grade K-6 classroom. The supervising teacher models and guides the student as they observe and assist with student learning.
“We have a partnership with two local parochial high schools and I’m building a partnership with a local charter high school,” Johnson said. “Those students will join us in the fall (and) each semester they hope to enroll 10 rising juniors, although seniors are also welcome to participate.”
Holy Cross College also is providing dual-enrollment opportunities for college students.
Johnson said in addition to preparing more teachers to address the current shortage in the South Bend-Elkhart region, Holy Cross also is committed to preparing more diverse teachers.
“To make a vocation as a teacher more feasible, and to attract more underrepresented and first-generation students, Holy Cross College has established the Cabrini Scholars Program,” she said. “The scholarship is named for St. Frances Xavier Cabrini who founded schools and orphanages dedicated to serving the poor and disadvantaged.”
Johnson said Cabrini scholars will receive a combination of federal, state, and college aid and a full-time scholarship to attend Holy Cross College.
“Cabrini scholars must be committed to being teachers and serving in the local community,” Johnson said. “My hope is the students follow their passion to serve and educate the young minds that will be waiting for them once they exit a teacher education program.”
