Previously published on March 3, 2022
The Sioux City Community School district is giving a head start to students who want careers in the classroom.
The “Grow Your Own” initiative is designed to give students insight into what a career in education would be like.
Students at high schools in the district are taking courses that provide them with classroom experience before they’ve even left for college.
Shelby Edwardson, a senior at Sioux City’s West High School, knew she wanted to be a teacher from an early age.
She’s been doing her in-classroom internship at Loess Hills Elementary since August of 2021.
“I like being able to see the kids and actually work with them, because I take education classes downtown and, like, they give you an idea, you don’t really know what the classroom is like until you are in it.” said Edwardson. “So, it’s just a really good experience and bonding time with the kids.”
About 150 students are currently taking part in the “Grow Your Own” Initiative.