By Josadae Cruz
One thing that should be encouraged to make sure that PHS continues to grow and prosper academically is to ensure that the next generation of teachers are excited to begin their craft, while they are also sensitive to the special needs of the Passaic community. The Education Pathway at PHS will yield direct results, back to the schools of Passaic School District. Who knows the students and city of Passaic better than those who grew up here, went to school here and graduated from PHS, then came back to teach.
The New Jersey Future Educators Association (NJFEA) was established to coordinate the network of individual school chapters statewide. They work to ensure that there is interest and expertise in finding and training the next generation of New Jersey teachers. They recognize, as we all do, that there is a need for diverse, highly trained teachers.
Being a part of the Education Pathway gives PHS students an innovative program to explore their desire to be a teacher, someday. They are also many opportunities for gaining experience in the education field.
One of these experiences was the NJFEA Conference held at William Paterson University. By pairing with that university, PHS students get a clear opportunity not afforded to students going to other schools to take advantage of the pathway to becoming a future teacher.
Eighteen PHS students attended this field trip to WPU. Lindsay Almazo, Angelisse Bugue-Garcia, Giovanni Castelan, Alexa Gonzolez, Osmari Mata, Shendy Matos, Yarelis Mercedes-Salce, Brandon Rodriguez, Margarita Rojas, Evelin Romero, Miagros Sarabia, Linda Sierra, Janiyah Suarez, Brisa Tapia, Kelly Tovar, Amelyn Urena, Jovely Valdes, and Brandon Velez represented PHS during this conference. They make up the PHS chapter of the NJFEA. They have high hopes for their future careers in education.
Mr. Vallila said, “I am honored to have these 18 hardworking and motivated young men and women in my History of Modern Education class.” He commented on their dedication and desire to become great teachers.
During the conference, these students participated in two break-out sessions, which they chose based on their interests. Some of these included, Understanding your Why – Inspiring Yourself and Others, Engaging Students in Social Studies, Inspiring Youth to Read and Write, and Understanding College Tuition and Financial Aid. These students get to learn about college, how to get in and how to pay for it. They also learned about teaching in their anticipated subject, or just teaching in general.
This program is just one of the many pathways that PHS offers to students. The opportunities are there if you just look for them and then take advantage of them. Want to be a teacher maybe? Then talk to Mr. Vallila about the program or speak to your guidance counselor. They will be happy to fill you in on the program and answer any questions.
