Students at Woodhaven High School now have a brand-new opportunity to explore a career in teaching, and they’re already gaining real classroom experience.
The Future Educators Club is new this year at WHS, sparked by student interest and supported by 9th grade English teacher Linda Callahan.
While the club itself is new to the high school, Callahan previously taught a Future Educators class a few years ago when 9th graders attended the former Patrick Henry Middle School building, now home to Woodhaven Upper Elementary.
“I taught a Future Educator class at Patrick Henry for three years,” Callahan explained. “There wasn’t anything like it. Bella came to me and Mr. Vesperman about getting the club started and asked if I would sponsor it. That would be amazing,” Callahan quickly responded.
With administrative support, the idea quickly became reality. Fifteen students were scheduled to visit classrooms at Woodhaven Upper Elementary during February, March, April, and May.
Learning by Doing
For Callahan, the clinical experience is the heart of the program.
“The clinical experience is huge,” she said. “From a teacher’s point of view, it’s powerful. When I taught the class a few years ago, we were able to walk next door to Erving Elementary classrooms. Seeing the reality of teaching makes all the difference.”
During their first clinical visit, WHS students observed teachers, worked with small groups, assisted one-on-one, and began forming connections with younger students.
“On the bus ride home, they were talking a mile a minute about their experience,” Callahan said. “We meet after school on Thursdays and do a debriefing. They love sharing about their experience in the classroom.”
Looking ahead, the club plans to expand its learning opportunities beyond classroom visits. Callahan hopes to connect students with college education departments in the coming months through virtual meetings, allowing members to learn about teacher preparation programs, certifications, and financial support options available to future educators.
“We want the students to know what’s out there and what pathways are available,” Callahan said. “It’s about helping them see the full picture of what becoming a teacher involves.”
Importantly, Callahan says the experience is valuable no matter what students ultimately decide.
“If you finish this and decide it’s not a route for you, that’s good too. It’s important to know whether it’s truly your passion.”
First Time at the Front of the Room
For many students, stepping into the role of “teacher” - even briefly - felt different.
“It was awkward at first being at the front of the room when you’re used to being seated in a class,” several students shared.
Isabella Martinez agreed. “You’re a student and not used to walking around while others are doing work,” she said.
Students were placed in a variety of classrooms at Woodhaven Upper Elementary:
Isabella Martinez observed Mr. Seibert’s choir and band classes, noting how he supported students with their instruments.
Gabriella Catner enjoyed how her classroom celebrated a “Rockstar of the Day,” recognizing students with a small piece of candy and positive affirmation.
KC Keyes saw highly interactive English and science lessons in Ms. Schumacher’s class.
Alaynna Lazarowicz spent time in the gym and described the students as “super energized about their game and excited.”
Charlie Johnson worked with Mr. Sayre and enjoyed answering student questions while moving between classes.
Miguel Gonzalez assisted in a resource room with math and science. “They were very energetic and really honest,” he laughed. “They even called me short.”
Ellie Moitozo helped introduce a new math unit in Ms. Mahoney’s class and supported students during independent practice.
Sophia Naveed worked in Mr. Kozlo’s classroom, assisting with math worksheets, though she noted students were eager to play games.
Sarrinah Rehman supported advanced math students in Mr. Bliss’s class. “They asked a lot of questions,” she said. “You could see the visual realization when they understood something.”
Katherin Nguyen participated in hands-on activities in Mrs. McCollum’s world language class, even speaking German with students. “It was fun,” she said. “I would like to go again.”
Looking Ahead
Students are scheduled to return to classrooms monthly and are already looking forward to their next clinical experience, many hoping to explore different grade levels and subject areas.
For Callahan, the consistency of hands-on experience is what makes the difference.
“A lot of that consistency, the clinical experiences, is key,” she said. “Having it as a club allows students to explore teaching in a meaningful way.”
As the new Future Educators Club takes root at Woodhaven High School, students aren’t just learning about teaching; they’re stepping into the classroom and discovering whether inspiring the next generation might be their future.