A nationwide teacher shortage continues to challenge schools across the country, prompting districts and educator preparation programs to look for meaningful ways to inspire the next generation of teachers.
At Pryor High School, students with an interest in education are encouraged to explore that path through the honors-level Teach Oklahoma course. Under the guidance of instructor Sharon Rash, students are introduced to a variety of careers in education and begin developing the skills needed to turn their interest in teaching into a meaningful profession.
Pryor High School Counselor Amy Cramer said students in the program spend the fall semester learning in the classroom before moving into elementary classrooms during the spring semester as teaching interns. That progression gives students the opportunity to build a foundation in educational concepts before applying what they have learned in a real classroom setting.
For senior Aurora Parks, that interest is already taking shape in a real classroom.
As part of the applied learning internship phase of the course, Parks is gaining hands-on experience in Mrs. Vanderford’s second-grade classroom at Roosevelt Elementary. After spending time observing classroom routines and instruction, Parks has now stepped into a more active teaching role, leading lessons designed to support and supplement what students are learning from their regular teacher.
Working alongside Vanderford, Parks helps plan lessons that fit the needs of the class. It is clear the students are comfortable with her presence and familiar with her leadership. As Parks begins a lesson on timelines, students quickly settle in and engage with the activity, reflecting the strong rapport she has built during her time with the 2nd-grade students.
The timeline lesson also served as a thoughtful reminder that this season of learning together is nearing its close. Parks will soon graduate from Pryor High School and continue her journey at Northeastern Oklahoma State University, where she plans to pursue a degree in education and earn her certification in elementary education.
Programs like Teach Oklahoma give students an early opportunity to step into the profession, gain practical experience, and begin imagining themselves as future educators. For schools working to address Oklahoma’s teacher shortage, experiences like these are more than class assignments—they are part of building tomorrow’s teachers today.
Aurora Parks is already making a difference in the classroom, and her journey is a strong example of how Pryor Public Schools is helping students explore careers that can have a lasting impact on future generations. 