At Horace Maynard Middle School, education takes center stage with a new offering for motivated 8th-grade students: Introduction to Teaching as a Profession. This fast-paced, high school credit course is designed to spark interest in the world of education by giving students an early look into what it means to be a teacher and a leader in the classroom.

Far from a typical elective, the course explores key topics such as educational philosophy, U.S. education history, learning theories, child development and literacy instruction. Students also gain hands-on experience through Read Devils, field trips where they read to and assist younger students in Union County elementary schools.

“Offering early high school credits to future educators will open many doors for students, including the opportunity to complete college level courses in high school and additional classroom experience opportunities,” Joanie Brock, Teaching as a Profession teacher, shared.
The program is not only about theory—it equips students with leadership skills, encourages self-reflection and fosters a sense of purpose in shaping future generations. As one student put it, “This year has been a blast! We have had fun while learning more about what to expect in our high school classes next year.”
Interested 8th graders are encouraged to contact their guidance counselor for enrollment details and join this exciting journey into the field of education.