Since the first grade, Tomball High School senior Meaghan Journey knew she wanted to be a teacher. Every summer, Journey would transform her bedroom into a classroom by setting up activity stations as her teachers did at school. Her mother took her to the teacher supply store where she picked out planners and an attendance chart. She spent summers creating lesson plans and making worksheets. She even convinced her little brother to be one of her students. 

“I never imagined that my dream would be coming true as a high school student,” Journey said.  “I have a long way to go, but I am already learning how to be a teacher.”      

Above, Meaghan Journey helps Tomball Elementary first grader Jaqueline Reyna with a question she had about a math assignment. 

Journey is enrolled in a program called Ready, Set, Teach! The program helps high school students get a jump start in the education profession by introducing future teachers to the principles of effective teaching and training practices.

“We have 60 students who are currently participating in the program,” Tomball High School Teacher Melissa Baker said. “There are a lot of other students who want to be teachers so we are hoping this program will grow.”

These future teachers are in the traditional classroom setting with Baker one day a week where they learn about educational philosophies, pedagogy, curriculum, instruction, cognitive development, learning styles, special education requirements and classroom management.  They also focus on lesson plans, instructional technology, the role of the TEKS in planning and evaluating instruction, ethics and legal considerations, effective communication, confidentiality and formulating a personal philosophy of education. 

The other four days of the week they work under the supervision of classroom teachers in direct instructional roles with elementary, intermediate, junior high and high school aged students. The field-based experience includes preparing instructional materials, planning and directing individualized and group instruction, assisting with record keeping, using technology applications, documenting, assessing and reflecting on instructional experiences and demonstrating ethical and professional behavior in the classroom.   

Journey visits Alma McFarland’s first grade bilingual class at Tomball Elementary School. 

“Meaghan does a great job with the students,” McFarland said.  Journey helps prepare lessons, provides individual help to students during their literacy station and she is even teaching lessons.

By the time Journey starts college she will already possess valuable knowledge and experience that will enhance her career. 

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