According to the Learning Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., 1 and 8 classrooms lack a fully-certified teacher. Seeing the troubling statistic leads educators and school districts to wonder how to solve this teacher shortage. Fortunately, Woodford County is taking action, by offering a Teaching and Education Pathway, where students take dual credit courses and take steps towards becoming a fully certified teacher, practicing teaching techniques and gaining field experience.
This semester, 11 students took part in Woodford County’s first Collaborative Clinical Experience, where students were paired with mentor teachers and acted as “pre-service” teachers in classrooms across the district. These students were paired with teachers at Huntertown, Simmons, Southside, WCMS, and WCHS, varying in grades and subject concentrations. It was evident that this year was full of fun moments and growth as Senior, Abby Rowe said, “I loved getting to watch them [her students] succeed and accomplish their goals. It was extremely rewarding to see how much they had learned.” As part of Clinicals, students saw the behind the scenes of what goes in teaching, even learning crucial lessons. Lilli Ward (12) says, “I learned a lot about flexibility! It’s a great opportunity to practice making the best of every situation, even if it doesn’t always go as planned.” and Senior Faith Ann Davis says, “I learned how important it is to encourage students. Encourage them to be confident, creative, and independent, and they will be engaged in your classroom.” As the 2025-2026 year came to a close, students reflected on their experiences and the impact the clinical opportunity had on their career trajectory. Abby Rowe declares, “This connects perfectly with my future career aspirations. I will be going to UK and studying Elementary Education, so this experience was a good trial run.”
As a participant myself, the clinical experience brought much clarity for me and my future, as I got to work with students with a wide range of disabilities and ages. My experience, along with my classmates, demonstrate the willingness of a young generation to go towards a profession that many are leaving, and we are doing it with determination and passion.
Currently, the Collaborative Clinical Experience is only offered every other year, but there are countless opportunities for students to get involved with the Teaching and Learning Pathway, as Lilli Ward says, “…Try some real life experience in any way you can, whether it be through a great opportunity like the clinical, personal connections, or something in your community. It’s a very impactful way to get your feet wet and learn about who you are as an educator.”
If you think that you have any interest in a future of working with kids or teaching, you should sign up for this pathway! If there’s anything we’ve learned from this year, it’s that Nelson Mandela’s words remain true, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
