ProTeam Resources | Page 47

Some examples might need to be given as suggestions or models: learned to ride a bike at age six, takes good care of baby brother, makes own bed every morning, sings in church choir, hit a home run last week, etc. This can be an “ice breaker” activity used in the beginning of the school year to help set the tone for the relationship that will be enhanced between parent/guardian and child throughout the year. It can also be an activity done at a Parent Workshop; although teachers might not want to take time to share parental responses aloud in a large group, responses can be shared between parent/guardian and child, discussed briefly in small groups, or merely posted in a designated area of the meeting room. Teacher Cadet Connections The Teacher Cadet Program is considered an introduction or orientation to the teaching profession. Its main purpose is to encourage students who possess a high level of academic achievement and the personality traits found in good teachers to consider teaching as a career. The full-year course (or equivalent) is taught by a high school teacher, usually with support from college faculty, and the curriculum includes simulations and other “hands-on” activities designed to excite high school students about teaching. Currently, the Teacher Cadet Program involves over 165 high schools and 22 colleges/universities in South Carolina. In addition to the growth in the number of high schools offering the Teacher Cadet class, several of the schools have experienced such demand for the course that they offer two classes. Students enrolled in the Teacher Cadet Program must meet certain criteria, including having a GPA/GPR at or above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, being enrolled in college preparatory courses, and being recommended by three teachers. The curriculum is designed around four central components: the learner, the profession, the classroom and teaching, and the future of education. This curriculum exposes students to careers in education and components of the educational system through class discussions, observations, and participation in public school classrooms and interactions with successful administrators and teachers. Its two-fold purpose is to interest high school students in teaching and to provide future community leaders with insights about schools. We strongly recommend that you write or call the Teacher Cadet teacher at the high school(s) nearest to you and discuss ways in which your classes might collaborate with the Teacher Cadets. This contact will be very valuable for you and your students. You might do the following: v Encourage the Teacher Cadets to select members of your ProTeam class or club and become their e-mail, blog, or video chat partners. v Arrange for the Teacher Cadets to have lunch with their partners. v Arrange for the ProTeam class or club to visit the high school for a day. They could be paired with the Teacher Cadets and follow their schedule for the day. This might also be a good time to have a guidance counselor talk to your students about attending college. v You might invite the Teacher Cadets to visit your classroom and present information about high school life and the courses students need to take to get into college. Why Is It Important to Build C