Southmoreland student outlines path to teaching through CWCTC Aspiring Educators program

Mackenzie Thompson, an 11th‑grade student at Southmoreland High School, told the school board on Feb. 20 that the CWCTC Aspiring Educators program helped clarify her interest in elementary education and special education certification. She described observing a range of classroom settings, working alongside a mentor teacher and earning dual‑enrollment credits through partner institutions.

Thompson credited teachers who supported her learning and growth, saying school staff “helped me overcome my struggles” as a student with an IEP and inspired her desire to teach. She listed specific program benefits — classroom observations across middle school, high school and special‑education settings; guest speakers from area districts and professional bodies; and articulation agreements that allow students to earn college credits at PennWest, Carlow, Point Park and Shippensburg universities.

The board praised Thompson’s presentation, with trustees thanking her and inviting continued engagement with district programs. The superintendent noted the district’s intent to maintain and expand partnerships with CWCTC and other regional career‑technical centers that provide hands‑on experience for students.

The presentation was part of a broader superintendent report that also reviewed the district’s comprehensive plan, grant activity and a quarterly combustible‑gas monitoring attachment provided for board information. The board accepted Thompson’s remarks and acknowledged the CWCTC program as a model for career‑connected learning.