ProTeam Resources | Page 48

high school teacher with whom they identify, aiding them in setting goals for high school and college, and giving them the opportunity to develop peer/advisor relationships with high school students. This relationship can help them to negotiate, successfully, the many changes they face in moving from the middle school to the high school. For Teacher Cadets This connection between programs is also valuable for the Teacher Cadets, offering them the opportunity to share their own experiences and advice, to develop leadership skills, to learn about adolescent development, to help recruit future Teacher Cadets, and to work in a variety of settings within the public school system. For Administrators and Schools A well-established connection between the programs helps to build a strong, interdependent working relationship between area schools. It offers teachers and administrators a chance to exchange ideas, to develop strategies to increase student success, and to share positive feedback. Many of the activities planned for the students make excellent newspaper articles and online media highlights while helping to build a positive image of schools working together for the benefit of students and the community. Building the Bridge ProTeam Selected seventh and eighth graders participate in the ProTeam Program, learning about themselves, setting goals, working together and planning for college and careers. They are introduced to education as a possible career choice and given opportunities to work closely with teachers. High School In the ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades, ProTeam students enroll in college preparatory courses. With help from their ProTeam teachers, students have been encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and continue working toward their college and career goals. Teacher Cadets In the spring of their sophomore or junior year, students who have maintained a grade point average of a 3.0 are invited to apply for the Teacher Cadet Program. Among this group of students should be a number of ProTeam students. Teacher Cadets have several advantages over other students. First, they have the opportunity to work with a college partner, giving them a realistic idea of college work and a chance to visit a college campus. Second, they learn about a number of scholarships and loans, some of which are available only to Teacher Cadets. Third, Teacher Cadets have many opportunities to develop the leadership and interpersonal skills that will lead to their success in college and their ease in adapting to college life. College Contacts Many colleges are very interested in working with a middle school program that emphasizes college preparation, teaching, etc. Your students could benefit greatly from visits by college students to your class. You might even arrange a field trip to the college campus. Be sure that your minority students see minority college student role models. Here are some suggested activities: v Have college students serve on a panel in your ProTeam class to discuss what college is like. v Invite professors to give guest lectures. v Set up a tour of your own to visit a college. v Establish a partnership with a college partner. v Shadow a “teacher” on a college campus in the College of Education, if possible. Incorporating Magazines and Newspapers Often middle school students do not have access to a variety of print materials that can be used for cutting out articles and pictures. We encourage you to start saving and collecting them all year long. You might ask your PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM 61