At elementary campuses across the district, student-interns can be seen working hands-on in the classroom and gaining invaluable experience through the NCISD Career & Technical Education (CTE) Education and Training career cluster. This historic program, offered at New Caney High School, Porter High School, and West Fork High School, gives high school students a firsthand look at the teaching profession, helping them build skills, gain confidence, and inspire the next generation of learners.
Students start this four year program as freshman, taking their basic coursework the first two years. It is the internship course that students take as juniors and seniors, however, that truly makes the difference. During the internship, students work at the feeder elementary schools as teacher’s aids, which allows the interns to assist in lesson plans, work with small groups, make bulletin boards, and even work with individual students.
“In my opinion, the greatest benefit of the Education and Training program in New Caney ISD is the hands-on experience students gain through classroom internships,” said WFHS Education and Training Teacher, Mitzi Morkisch. “They apply teaching strategies, manage classrooms, and engage with students, building confidence and professional skills. This real-world experience gives them a head start in education careers.”
Deyra Vazquez, Second Grade Teacher at Tavola Elementary and NCHS E&T Alum
Two NCHS alums, TES Second Grade Teacher, Deyra Vazquez, and DES PE Teacher, Madison Kretzschmar, can agree, the internship was crucial in preparing for the classroom.
“I was able to help aid in PE my senior year,” Kretzschmar said. “I learned a lot about classroom management, as well as what the PE environment looked and sounded like. It allowed us to get a chance to see the difference between different areas of the school, which helped us figure out where we felt the most comfortable.”
Madison Kretzschmar, PE Teacher at Dogwood Elementary and NCHS E&T Alum
Alongside the internship, students in the Education and Training program have plenty of opportunities to go beyond the basics of the classroom and gain real-world experience. Education and Training students are able to graduate with the Educational Aide 1 certification, giving them the chance to step into paraprofessional roles right after high school. Many students choose to participate in Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), which allows students to compete against other schools and districts. Competition includes activities from all facets of the classroom, such as children’s literature, impromptu speaking, teacher-created materials, and more.
In the past, TAFE students have represented NCISD as state and area officers and excelled in competitions by advancing to state and even nationals. This year, NCHS senior Jesus Olvera advanced to state with a presentation over NCHS construction teacher, Wesley Espitia, in the “Exploring Non-Core Teaching Subjects” category. PHS students Paige McShan and Paisley Russell advanced to the TAFE national competition with their children’s book, Little Ducky’s Farm Adventures that they wrote and illustrated.
Keely Newcomb, the PHS Education and Training teacher, has witnessed firsthand the amount of dedication it takes to succeed, both in TAFE and the Education and Training program.
“My favorite part about teaching the Education and Training courses is the individual growth I get to see in my students over the four years that I have with them,” Newcomb said. “I enjoy being able to help them find their strengths in teaching and become more confident as they take on leadership roles and strive for excellence in competitions.”
Daily Objectives for E&T Classes at NCHS
For NCHS Education and Training teacher Donnelle Vallejo, helping students find their place is the most rewarding aspect of the program. She recalls watching one student in particular mature throughout her time in the Education and Training courses.
“She asked me if she could join the internship class,” Vallejo said. “I had seen so many changes in her, so I said we could try it. She’s now one of my best interns. She said she wanted to be a teacher and her eyes just lit up. She said, ‘I figured out what I am meant to do.’”
Moments like this solidify the legacy of the Education and Training program as it prepares New Caney ISD’s new generation of teachers.
“When we look at the list of teachers that participated in the Education and Training program, you don’t realize how big it is,” said CTE Director Brooke Lyles. “It gives you chills. It’s all the kids that we taught, and it's amazing to see them on campus and still in the community.”
For more information on the NCISD Education and Training program, visit our Career & Technical Education page.