In an effort to address the growing demand for teachers in Nebraska, Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) is expanding a program designed to provide high school students with hands-on experience in early childhood education. The initiative is part of LPS’s “Grow Our Own” program, which aims to inspire and retain future early childhood educators.
Currently, only four out of seven high schools in the district offer students the chance to gain practical experience by working in elementary schools. Starting in August, however, every high school in LPS will provide this valuable opportunity, allowing more students to explore what teaching young children entails.
Mallory Gregory, a family and consumer sciences teacher at Lincoln North Star, emphasized the critical need for skilled early childhood educators. She believes this program can help bridge the gap.
“High-quality early childhood care is essential for children’s language development and overall growth. It lays the foundation for their future learning,” Gregory said.
One student, Jacquelyn Castro, initially enrolled in the class to fulfill an elective requirement. However, she has since discovered a potential passion for early childhood education as a career.
“I used to think it would be an easy class, but now I see how important early childhood education is. It’s the first step toward everything, and if it’s not done right, it can make a child’s future much harder,” Castro explained.
For students like Castro who are interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education, there are additional opportunities to gain classroom experience. Graduates can work as paraeducators while enrolled in early childhood education programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
