Cape future educators gain experience in early childhood classrooms
Cape Henlopen High School students enrolled in the K-12 Teacher Academy Pathway are gaining valuable, real-world experience through regular classroom visits with the Little Vikings preschool and Sussex Consortium programs.
These visits provide students with hands-on opportunities to work directly with young learners while exploring future careers in education.
During their classroom time, high school students support daily routines, assist with instructional activities and observe effective early childhood teaching practices. These experiences help students build essential skills in communication, classroom management, collaboration and child development while developing a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and rewards of the teaching profession.
This cross-grade partnership creates meaningful learning experiences for both groups of students. Preschool and Consortium students benefit from additional support and positive role models, while high school students gain confidence and practical insight into early childhood education. The collaboration strengthens connections across grade levels and supports the development of future educators within the district.
“Our Teacher Academy Pathway creates a meaningful bridge between learning about education and experiencing it firsthand,” said Dr. Amanda Archambault, Cape district director of teaching and learning. “Engaging with our preschool programs allows high school students to build essential skills while supporting high-quality learning environments for our youngest Vikings.”
Amanda Bogan, a Little Vikings preschool teacher, plays a key role in coordinating and supporting high school student placement in the preschool classrooms. Serving as a consistent point of contact for questions, reflection and guidance, she ensures that each experience is purposeful and aligned with learning goals.
“Providing high school students with authentic classroom experiences is essential to preparing future educators,” said Bogan. “By working directly with young learners, students are connecting theory to practice while developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed in education-related careers.”
Many of the high school students participating in the partnership are part of Dr. Laura Conner’s class. They have completed instruction focused on special education, preparing them to work effectively with children who have disabilities.
“Several of my students have expressed a strong interest in this field,” said Conner. “It’s been wonderful for them to be able to collaborate with Consortium teachers across the district to gain hands-on experience working with students who have varying disabilities.”
