The field of teaching is more than just a job, it’s a calling for people with a passion to dedicate their life’s work to educating future generations. Many find that calling at an early age, and Holy Cross College has created a dual-enrollment program for high school students interested in getting a closer look at the field of teaching.

“The goal of the dual-enrollment program is to create an easily accessible, flexible, and equitable pathway to the education profession and to increase the number and diversity of individuals attracted to teaching,” said Julie Johnson, Instructor of Education, TEACH for Indiana Program Director. Through the program, the school hopes to grow the numbers of students interested in becoming teachers, encouraging those students that mirror some of the most underrepresented students in South Bend’s elementary schools.

Program outline

The dual enrollment program is free to high school students and they earn college and high school credits. Dual-enrollment students can earn 20 credits during the 2-year program.

Four classes are taught at Holy Cross College:

  • EDUC 101 Introduction to Teaching as a Vocation
  • EDUC 200 Teaching and Learning Theory
  • EDUC 255 Integrating Technology & Computer Science
  • EDUC 265 Children’s Literature

Each of the above classes is paired with a practicum field experience course. Students are assigned to a South Bend elementary school in a grade K-6 classroom. The supervising teacher models and guides the student as he/she observes and assists with student learning.

“We have a partnership with two local parochial high schools and I’m building a partnership with a local charter high school. Those students will join us in the fall,” notes Johnson. Each semester they hope to enroll ten rising juniors, although seniors are also welcome to participate.

College opportunity for participants

Holy Cross College is taking the dual-enrollment opportunity one step further with opportunities for students at the college level.

“According to state data, the general population in Indiana, and South Bend-Elkhart region, in particular, is increasingly diverse, however, 93% of teachers in Indiana are white,” noted Johnson. “In addition to preparing more teachers to address the current shortage in our region, Holy Cross College is committed to preparing more diverse teachers. To make a vocation as a teacher more feasible, and to attract more underrepresented and first-generation students, Holy Cross College has established the Cabrini Scholars Program. The scholarship is named for St. Frances Xavier Cabrini who founded schools and orphanages dedicated to serving the poor and disadvantaged. Cabrini Scholars will receive, through a combination of federal, state, and college aid, a full-time scholarship to attend Holy Cross College. Cabrini Scholars must be committed to being teachers and serving in the local community. Students who participate in the college’s dual-enrollment program and qualify will be given preference. No less than half of each cohort will include students from underrepresented backgrounds. Cabrini Scholars will also receive a teaching stipend for the duration of the full-time student teaching assignment.”

“My hope is the students follow their passion to serve and educate the young minds that will be waiting for them once they exit a teacher education program,” said Johnson.

To learn more about enrollment, contact Julie Johnson at [email protected] today!

Pictured is student Zechariah Ritchie with children from St. Adalberts.

Pictured is Holy Cross College student Zechariah Ritchie reading to students at St. Adalbert’s grade school in South Bend, Indiana.

Student Mia Wenzler works with children from St. Adalbert's grade school.

Holy Cross College student Mia Wenzler works with students at St. Adalbert’s grade school in South Bend, Indiana.