The Future Teacher Academy at St. Cloud Area School District 742 has been around for a few years. One of the unique experiences the students have is living on campus at St. Cloud State University. One week during the summer, students live in the dorms, attend class and experience some real world teacher experiences to encourage them to continue a path in education.
“It’s [the camp] a chance for me to expose students of color to opportunities they never thought existed,” says Mohamed Mohamud, educational equity outreach coordinator. “Most of these students come from backgrounds where both mom and dad never went to college. And education was something that was spoken about but never really understood what changes in life a college degree can make.”
Students are identified and learn about the program from their teachers. Then in the summer they are given the opportunity to experience college for one week.
What a difference a week makes.
Just like any other freshman student attending college, the academy students moved into their dorms on day one. They decorated their doors similarly to an orientation week. One special moment on day one was a dinner with St. Cloud State University President Robbyn Wacker.
The rest of the week was scheduled with education classes, college tours, and time spent teaching young students similar to student interns. Academy students read out loud to elementary age students at various locations. They worked on community service projects and created child activities as part of their homework assignments.
“It [camp] was a great experience. I wasn’t expecting it,” states Mahamat Hissein, a recent graduate of Tech High School. “I got to meet people from St. Cloud State University. It opened my mind … and made me realize that I have a solid path to start my education.”
Hussein plans on attending St. Cloud State University in the fall now.
Amira Hassan, 2021 Tech High School graduate, and Fartun Yusuf, junior at Tech, share similar sentiments.
“It was a great experience and fun,” describes Yusuf. “I didn’t think we [academy students] would become this close. It’s only been five days and I didn’t expect it. Everyone is so friendly.”
“We’ve really become close friends,” adds Hassan.
The pair laugh together about what it’s like to live on campus. They loved dorm life, meeting their professors and getting to know the other students.
“We really got to experience how college life really is. I got to learn there is a lot of walking!” says Hassan.
Most importantly, they learned what it was like to be a teacher.
“I also learned the struggle of having to teach kids,” says Yusuf. “Not all of them want to listen to you. It’s so frustrating, but so fun though.”
When Yusuf and Hassan examine their future. Yusuf still wants to be a teacher. She’s re-evaluated teaching younger students however. She is considering teaching older students after her experiences with the elementary age.
“Now I know how everything would work [teaching] and have been there from a teacher’s perspective,” says Yusuf. “Now, as a teacher, I realize why and how we did things [in the classroom].”
Hassan also has a new appreciation for teachers.
“Never in my life have I thought of appreciating educators,” says Hassan. “I never wanted to be a teacher. I’ve wanted to be a doctor, and I think a new path has opened for me. I might want to go into education. I really loved being with the kids. I’m also a KIDSTOP worker. So, I’m with a lot of kids and they are such a pleasure.”
The camp wasn’t all about learning and teaching. They had a little down time for fun.
Part of the college experience is the fun they can have.
The academy students bowled on campus at Atwood Center. They had pizza parties, a bonfire and even had a board game night. The last evening was a surprise dinner at Cafe Renaissance with community partners, President Wacker and Senator Aric Putnam.
As the last day of camp closed, tears were shed. The experience was a bonding experience as well as an eye opener for the academy students. They’re sad the experience is over. However, they can’t wait to take a step towards a path they never expected. One that St. Cloud Area School District hopes will lead back to teaching future students right where they started.
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