The Wilson Talent Center (WTC) has partnered with local schools to launch a two-year program aimed at high school students aspiring to become teachers. This initiative pairs students with experienced educators, allowing them to gain firsthand insight into the teaching profession.
High school student Adelyn Pfeil is among the participants learning the intricacies of teaching. Under the mentorship of teacher Kelly Herrera, Pfeil observes and engages in various aspects of classroom management and lesson planning. Herrera notes, "Having her in the classroom allows her the chance to see how I use classroom management, how we use problem-solving skills from day-to-day, and how I start my lesson planning from beginning to end."
The program not only provides students with valuable experience but also helps them make informed decisions about their career paths. Teacher Gina Rios highlights the program's role in career exploration, stating, "We have had students who decided after their first year in the program, I don’t think teaching is for me. And they always say it with a little disappointment in their voice, and I always say, ‘that’s a great thing to know right now.’"
By offering this early exposure, the program aims to inspire and prepare students for future roles in education, addressing the teacher shortage by cultivating talent within the community.
Recent Stories:
When school leaders work together, student voices grow stronger. Representatives from Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee Counties recently gathered through the CARES Collaborative to meet with legislative officials and discuss education priorities, school funding, and the future of public education across the region. The CARES Collaborative—Capital Area Regional Education Strategy—was formed to strengthen regional advocacy efforts and ensure schools have a stronger, more unified voice in policy conversations.
Graduation season is about more than ceremonies—it’s about preparing students for what comes next. Recently, Wilson Talent Center students in the Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics programs celebrated senior send-offs filled with recognition, encouragement, and lessons from professionals already working in the field. At Wilson Talent Center, students gain hands-on experience across 20 career-focused programs designed to help them build real-world skills and confidence for life after high school.
