Teacher Academy

Pathway: Human Services

Make a difference in the lives of students

If you’ve always known you wanted to be a teacher, this is the program for you! In Teacher Academy, you’ll learn the foundation of what makes a great teacher and then put that knowledge into practice in a real classroom in the community as you work alongside a mentor teacher. 

Begin your teaching journey as you -

  • Create lesson plans
  • Discover the art of classroom management
  • Explore all the ways that students learn
  • Get actual classroom experience in a range of subjects, settings and grades
  • Practice your teaching skills alongside a mentor
  • Understand how school systems are structured and organized
  • Explore opportunities for scholarships and free college credit


Tools & Equipment

  • Pencil sharpener
  • Erasers
  • Google Classroom
  • YouTube
  • TikTok

Through this program, you’ll be prepared to earn -

  • MiYDA


Up to +12 free college credits available*

*Students must meet requirements. 

The number of credits varies by college.


Future Career Options & Earning Potential

The range of pay for professionals in Education careers covers a broad range and depends upon many factors. Below are annual salary ranges for a few roles this program may lead you into.

With a HS diploma (some certification could be required):

  • Childcare Worker - Entry Level: $27,210 | Median: $30,970 | High End: $39,340
  • Classroom Aide/Paraprofessional - Entry Level: $27,550 | Median: $35,110 | High End: $45,370

With additional college and/or advanced certifications:

  • Preschool Teacher - Entry Level: $30,310 | Median: $37,110 | High End: $50,720
  • Guidance Counselor - Entry Level: $42,380 | Median: $59,440 | High End: $89,280
  • K-12 Teacher - Entry Level: $46,530 | Median: $65,110 | High End: $98,720
  • Instructional Coordinator - Entry Level: $51,830 | Median: $79,290 | High End: $108,970
  • Postsecondary (College) Education Teachers - Entry Level: $45,300 | Median: $79,910 | High End: $138,850
  • School Administrator (ie. Principal) - Entry Level: $77,340 | Median: 104,020 | High End: $134,430

* Note: Jobs titles and salary data are taken directly from O*Net.

Classes are taught at:

Kent Career Tech Center

Alan Freudigmann Taught at East Kentwood HS for 15 years
Lisa Rilley Teaches Art Education Methods at Hope College
Melissa Pierczynski Adjunct faculty at Grand Valley State University
Toni Verburg CTES

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