The School of Education at Dr. Jo Watts Williams introduced the Teach for Alamance initiative, a novel graduate program within the School of Education.
Matthew Trez ’23, who completed his student teaching in Alamance County, developed a strong affinity for the community. He remains dedicated to giving back to his community and has expressed his intention to continue serving in the area. The program not only provides job opportunities for fellows post-graduation but also fosters a sense of community support, as highlighted by Trez’s experience in ABSS.
The Teach for Alamance program offers a full scholarship for Elon’s Masters of Education in Innovation program in exchange for a two-year commitment to teach in Alamance County Public Schools. Currently, the program comprises three fellows, including Trez, who have been placed in Alamance County Public Schools. Trez, for instance, is currently teaching eighth-grade English language arts and social studies at Turrentine Middle School.
Apart from Trez, two other graduate fellows, Zoë Rein ‘23 and Matthew LaFuria ‘23, are part of the Teach for Alamance program. Zoë Rein initially planned to gain more experience before pursuing graduate studies but was influenced by Matthew LaFuria to apply. The opportunity to stay at the school where she student-taught, coupled with the prospect of the graduate program, prompted her decision to join.
Teach for Alamance marks the School of Education’s second program aimed at placing teachers in North Carolina schools. In 2018, Elon University became a participant in the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program, which also aims to place teachers in public schools across the state. Trez commended the efforts of the North Carolina fellows in retaining talent within the state and viewed the graduate program as a valuable avenue for recruiting fresh teaching talent from Elon.
Elon University offers various opportunities for students to engage with Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) schools, such as the Alamance Scholars initiative. This initiative guides high school students interested in education towards careers in ABSS by providing a structured educational path through Alamance Community College (ACC) and Elon University.
Teach for Alamance presents another avenue for Elon University to deploy qualified teachers in Alamance County Public Schools, addressing the increasing demand for educators in the region. This initiative aims to forge partnerships that facilitate the recruitment of prospective teachers, making the challenging profession more accessible.
Both Rein and Trez find fulfillment in their roles within the program. Trez values the impact he can make on students’ lives, emphasizing the rewarding experience of contributing to their growth and development. On the other hand, Rein appreciates the immersive nature of her work environment, which allows for continuous reflection and improvement in teaching practices.
In conclusion, the Teach for Alamance program not only provides opportunities for aspiring teachers to gain practical experience and pursue advanced degrees but also serves as a valuable resource for addressing the growing need for educators in Alamance County.