Lakeview High School’s Teacher Cadet program prepares students and gives valuable hands-on experiences as students prepare to enter the world of education.

“Teacher Cadet has prepared me to handle students’ differences and taught me how to work through them with each individual student,” explained senior Berkeley Taylor, a second year cadet with a placement in first grade at Princeton Elementary in St. Clair Shores.

Throughout each of her seven years running the program, instructor and mentor Elizabeth Curd has aimed to inspire students and encourage them to continue their education to be teachers.

“Ultimately, I’m trying to get the next generation excited and ready to work with kids, I’m training the next generation of teachers,” explained Curd.

Adrianna Kluge, former Teacher Cadet and Lakeview graduate class of 2020, is the first of Curd’s students to be hired into a teaching position. As of August 2024, Kluge is officially a member of the teaching staff at Avalon Elementary — part of the Southlake School District.

Kluge reflects positively on her time in the program, explaining that participating in this program was instrumental in her journey to where she is now.

“It allowed me to reflect on what went well and how I could improve, ultimately shaping me into a more thoughtful and effective educator,” explained Kluge.

Seeing the first hire to come out of the program has been very rewarding for Curd, who spends so much time with her cadet students.

“I didn’t anticipate how exciting it would be… it just feels really good,” said Curd.

This year’s graduating class of teacher cadets is eight students, and a majority of them plan to continue their journey to become educators in college.

By taking the time to fulfill the prerequisite courses and fit Teacher Cadet into their schedule, each of these seniors has taken steps in the right direction.

Lakeview is proud to foster a love for education in these students and will continue to do so for years to come, ultimately raising future generations of teachers.