Career Paths for the Teaching Profession

A new Career Program opening in the fall of 2004, Career Paths for the Teaching Profession is designed to encourage young people to pursue the teaching profession.  Teachers and administrators in the Six District Educational Compact schools will be asked for their input, ideas and participation in this new initiative.  Specifically, all educators in Compact schools will have the opportunity to provide field experiences for the students, including guided observations and mini-teaching opportunities, as well as individual mentoring. 

This pathway will help students learn more about future career options, while their work-based experience and coursework provide a solid foundation for a successful teaching career.  Students will also develop a professional portfolio which will summarize their experiences.  

Since 2000, the Ohio Department of Education’s Center for Curriculum and Assessment has been working with Ohio universities and colleges, as well as school administrators and teachers to develop academic coursework including ITACs.   

Career Paths for the Teaching Professions was developed as a solution to the current and looming shortages in the teaching profession.  A high percentage of teachers will be approaching retirement age in the next 10 years.  In fact, it is estimated that more than 2.5 million teachers will be needed in the U.S. with about 57,000 K-12 openings in Ohio.              

Located at Roosevelt High School, this one- or two-year Career Program is offered for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 and includes two credits plus one credit for College Prep English.