For the third-consecutive year, New Britain High School is offering students an opportunity no other school in the state has. It’s their Teacher Cadet program.
Among the highlights is a 3-credit college course, in partnership with Central Connecticut State University, that will be taught at New Britain High School.
Jasleen Velazquez says she is a hands-on person in everything that she does. So, having a family member with disabilities inspired her to explore teaching.
“I just want to be able to help kids with disabilities to let them know that, even though they have a challenge, you’re still a person. They can still do things,” said Velazquez, a New Britain High School Senior.
As an athlete, Tyrese Love, could certainly become a role model for many, but he believes his real impact will come as a middle school teacher.
“That’s when a lot of kids’ lives go upside down and a lot things start coming and going on. Maturity starts playing a role in their lives,” said Love, a New Britain High School Junior.
The high school students have the opportunity for plenty of meaningful, one on one work with the elementary students.
“I help them correct their papers. They read books to me. I help with their math,” said a prideful Kenmarie Caraballo, a New Britain High School Senior
Due to a family crisis, Nick Serino was rudderless in elementary school. But, the one teacher he always looked up to is the same man Nick is now job shadowing.
“He pushed me to stop acting out,” said an appreciative Serino, a New Britain High School Junior.
Ken Skoglund, the physical education teacher about which Serino spoke, remembers Nick’s first day assisting him.
“I sat the kids down. And he said, ‘boys and girls, I just want you to tell you how this man changed my life.’ And he told a story about things I did for him in elementary school and how we connected in middle school,” note Skoglund, who is retiring after 35 years at the end of this school year.