Marysville Pilchuck High School Career & College Readiness Counselor, Andrew Santos (far left), stands with Marysville School District’s Teaching Academy students visiting Western Washington University.
This winter marked a season of meaningful momentum for Teachers for the People (TPP), with powerful examples of student engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and continued program development across our region.
Classroom Spotlight: Student Voice in Action
On Jan. 14, a visit to a TPP pilot classroom at Marysville Pilchuck High School offered a full-day look into the depth and impact of the program. Across six class periods — including Careers with Children, Child Development, Childcare Basics, Introduction to Education, and Advanced Education — students were actively engaged in exploring the teaching profession through both coursework and hands-on experience.
Internships are already underway in the Introduction to Education and Advanced Education courses, with twenty students placed across eight schools. In addition, students in Childcare Basics are gaining practical experience through placements at an Early Learning Center. These opportunities are allowing students to build real-world skills in classroom management, lesson planning, and student engagement.
Student voice remains central to this work. In conversations with twelve students, several themes emerged. Many shared that their interest in the course stemmed from prior experiences caring for younger family members, while others discovered a passion for teaching after enrolling. Some students are exploring education as a potential pathway, appreciating the opportunity to “try it out” through internships before making long-term decisions.
When asked what they enjoy most, students consistently highlighted the supportive and inclusive classroom environment. They described feeling safe, understood, and challenged in meaningful ways. They value flexible ways to demonstrate learning, strong relationships with their teacher and mentor educators, and the opportunity to share and learn about diverse cultures. Above all, students emphasized that they feel cared for—academically and personally.
While some students are already committed to careers in education, others are still exploring their futures. Importantly, all are gaining clarity, confidence, and transferable skills that will serve them beyond high school.
Beyond the classroom, strong partnerships are helping these students take the next steps toward postsecondary opportunities. Through collaboration with Skagit Valley College, representatives visited the class to introduce Maestros Para el Pueblo, supporting students in beginning their college applications. Several students have since received follow-up support, and many completed their FAFSA applications during class time.
Intentional support is also in place to ensure all students can access these opportunities. This includes coordinated, wraparound planning for students with individualized needs, involving school counselors and Career and Technical Education (CTE) leaders to create aligned and supported pathways.
Looking Ahead: Bridging High School to Higher Education
In early March, students from the Marysville Teaching Academy participated in college visits to Everett Community College, Skagit Valley College, and Western Washington University. These visits included campus tours, program overviews, and opportunities to connect with faculty and staff in educator preparation programs.
For many students — already engaged as interns in local elementary classrooms—these experiences helped make the pathway to becoming an educator feel tangible and attainable. By connecting classroom learning with postsecondary opportunities, TPP continues to support students in building confidence, skills, and a clear sense of purpose.
Together, these efforts reflect a growing, collaborative movement to reimagine educator preparation — one that is rooted in community, centered on student voice, and committed to equity and belonging. As TPP continues to evolve, it remains grounded in the belief that the next generation of educators will be shaped not only by what they learn, but by how they are supported, valued, and inspired along the way.
If this sounds like something your district is interested in supporting, please reach out! Teachers for the People currently has space to support several additional districts in 2026-2027. Contact Vanessa Woo with questions and inquiries.