How to Start a Program

So, you've heard about CERRA's nationally-recognized Teacher Cadet Program and want to begin offering the course in your school? Follow these simple guidelines to get started today!

(Sample timeline in parentheses)

(August) Contact Interim Program Directors, Karen Pack or Arthur Pinckney to make your intent known to CERRA. The Interim Directors can be reached at karen@cerra.org or pinckneya@cerra.org or call toll-free at 800-476-2387.
(Winter/Spring) Planning is important at this step. Discuss with your guidance office and/or district curriculum coordinator your intent to offer this exciting and engaging program for the best and brightest students in your school. Ensure the course "makes" the course offerings list and begin recruiting students.
(Summer) Attend a required three-day curriculum training seminar for Experiencing Education, the curriculum designed exclusively for the Teacher Cadet Program. If your intent is to launch the program on a district or state level (with 8 or more schools/instructors), consider hosting a training in your area. All trainings hosted by CERRA take place in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on the campus of Winthrop University, which is where the program is headquartered.
(August) Begin offering the Teacher Cadet Program at your school.

Cost

If you are a non-SC instructor and wish to attend training at CERRA's headquarters, the cost to attend a curriculum training seminar is $750 per person. This fee includes ONE copy of Experiencing Education, all training materials, and one-year's access to members-only materials on teachercadets.com. All travel arrangements are the responsibility of each participant, however CERRA maintains partnerships with area hotels to secure the lowest available rates.
If you would like to host an on-site training, you must have a minimum of 8 registered participants. On-site trainings are charged at a per person rate of $500. The host district or organization also covers all travel expenses for CERRA's certified trainer and a trainer fee. Contact Karen Pack for additional information.

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I was reading through my Teacher Cadet folder today (I completed this course 10 yrs ago!) and I was reminded of how much this program impacted my life. It's simple: It taught me that when meaningful relationships are built with students first, teaching comes effortlessly.

2006 Teacher Cadet - Lakewood High School

Kahla L. Ellison

1st Grade Teacher
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Oakland Primary School - Sumter

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Teacher Cadet was my first real look into the world of teaching, I had a wonderful cooperating teacher who really showed me what a true love of learning looks like. Her passion and excitement were evident every single day! I never considered going into this incredible profession until that point. Teacher Cadet is the reason I am a Kindergarten teacher!

2011 Teacher Cadet - Bluffton High School

Jordan Howard

K/1 Teacher
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Red Cedar Elementary School - Beaufort

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Teacher Cadets opened my eyes to the education profession. I had no desire to be a teacher before taking the course, but through the classroom activities and internships, I found my calling. It was a great course, and I had a great teacher that fostered a love of education and helping children.

1998 Teacher Cadet - Stratford High School

Chris Chandler

Assistant Principal
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Rock Hill High School - York Three

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Teacher Cadet was an amazing experience. It was a lot of fun to work with the kids, and I even continued my experience by volunteering in the same class during my study hall period. By the time I got to student teaching in college, I already had a good idea of what I was going to be doing. Not only is it great for someone thinking about becoming a teacher themselves, but it's also great if you want to work with students in any capacity (social worker, counselor, doctor, nurse, etc.).

2005-2006 Teacher Cadet - Ninety Six High School

Sarah Bailey O'Connell

Instructional Technology Facilitator
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McCormick County School District - McCormick

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Before Teacher Cadets, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. However I did not realize that I wanted to be a special educator until I was in the classroom. I gravitated towards students that were in the classroom for inclusion periods, and quickly realized that working with students with special needs was what I wanted to do.

2010 Teacher Cadet - Fort Mill High School

Kara Kusterman

K-1 Special Setting Teacher
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Orchard Park Elementary School - Fort Mill

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Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher. It was not until I was placed in a Special Education classroom during the Teacher Cadet Program that I found my passion for people with exceptionalities. The instructor of Teacher Cadet, Mrs. McKnight, also encouraged me to attend school and even helped with my college applications. I am so thankful I was a part of Teacher Cadet.

2009-2010 Teacher Cadet - Andrew Jackson High School

Gladys Thompson

Special Education Teacher
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Wateree Elementary School - Kershaw

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From a very young age I knew that teaching was my life’s calling. The Teacher Cadet Program not only equipped me with the essential knowledge and strategies that led to early success in the classroom, but also continued to grow my passion for education. It was my first real experience as a teacher and I loved every minute of it.

1999 Teacher Cadet - Fort Mill High School

Gales Scroggs

Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction
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Fort Mill High School - Fort Mill

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I had always known I wanted to teach. However, Teacher Cadets opened my eyes to all different types of classrooms and teaching styles. My Teacher Cadet teacher pushed me to observe some special education classrooms and they stole my heart! I decided my senior year of high school that I would major in Special Education because of my experiences through the Teacher Cadet program!

2011-2012 Teacher Cadet - Mauldin High School

Chandler Rushing

Self-Contained EMD Teacher
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Powdersville High School - Anderson One

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Teacher cadets prepared me for the classroom in more ways that I can describe. It helped me make the decision of becoming a high school teacher. Since I was in high school, I could not complete my hours in a high school but I could in a middle school. This reassured me that I wanted to go into secondary education. It also reassured me that I was meant to a teacher. This class helped me decided my future and go into the profession that was intended for me. I will be forever grateful for teacher cadets and Mrs. Mason. I now encourage all my students who want/think they want to become a teacher to take teacher cadets. I hope to be able to teach the class one day in the future.

2007-2008 Teacher Cadet - Travelers Rest High School

Madison Hammond

9th Grade Teacher
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Pickens High School - Pickens

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Teacher Cadet program confirmed that I wanted to teach. The program led me to become a Teaching Fellow which gave me extra preparation for the school setting.

2010 Teacher Cadet - Calhoun Falls Charter School