Long before they ever stand at the front of a classroom, students in Harrisburg High School’s Future Educators Club and Pathway to Education program are already learning what it means to teach.

For senior Makenna Gerber, the opportunity has helped transform her plans into a clear path forward. As president of the Future Educators Club and a participant in the Pathway to Education program, she has spent the past two years preparing for a career she once only imagined.  “We get dual credit to take these classes that are for our teaching degree.” These college-level courses, taught in partnership with Southeastern Illinois College, allow students to earn credits while still in high school, giving them a valuable head start.

The Pathway includes courses such as Introduction to Education, Educational Psychology, Educational Diversity, Topics in Education, and Special Education. These classes provide students with insight into how children learn, how classrooms operate, and how teachers support diverse learners. Makenna described the experience as eye-opening, saying, “It’s a blessing we have these courses and club so we can really understand what we want before we get there and plan accordingly.”

Senior Hadley Hunt, who serves as treasurer of the Future Educators Club, agrees that the program has provided a powerful advantage. “By being able to take these classes in high school, it’s definitely given me one step ahead,” she said. In addition to coursework, students complete observation hours in classrooms across the district. These experiences allow them to see teaching firsthand and even assist with activities. Hadley shared that teachers often invite students to participate, explaining, “They ask me if I want to help with groups and activities, and that’s a really good way to actually see what they’re doing and learn from it.”

Those observation hours have helped students refine their goals. Both Makenna and Hadley initially had different ideas about their futures, but working directly with young learners helped them discover their passion for early education. Makenna reflected, “It opened my eyes to early childhood education. I didn’t think I’d do pre-K or kindergarten, and now that’s more my focus than ever.” Hadley had a similar experience, saying, “I observed a pre-K teacher, and then I was really like, okay, I think this is what I’m leaning towards.”

The Future Educators Club works alongside the Pathway program to provide additional opportunities for leadership and service. With approximately 14 members, the club meets regularly to plan activities and support events throughout the district. Members assist with Family Reading Nights at elementary schools, where they help create activities and interact with younger students. Makenna recalled one especially successful event, saying, “We had probably almost 200 kids come to our table. It’s a really good night to get everyone together.”

The club also participates in service projects such as helping count donations for charitable fundraisers and attending educational competitions and conferences. These experiences allow students to connect with educators, explore teaching strategies, and build confidence in their abilities.

Behind the scenes, the program is supported by dedicated advisors who guide students throughout the process. Makenna credited educator Joe Burtis for his mentorship, saying, “He’s very involved, very helpful with anything—whether that be observations or understanding something or researching for college.” That support helps students navigate important decisions about their futures.

The impact of the program is already clear. Several participants, recently including Makenna and Hadley, have been accepted to colleges where they will continue their education journey. Makenna plans to attend Southeastern Illinois College before transferring to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, while Hadley will begin at Shawnee Community College with plans to continue pursuing elementary education.

Beyond college preparation, the program gives students confidence and clarity. Hadley described how meaningful the experience has been, saying, “It’s going to help me a lot in the future, in college for sure.” Through observation, coursework, and leadership, students gain a realistic understanding of teaching while building skills that will serve them well in any career.

For Harrisburg High School students, the Future Educators Club and Pathway to Education program offer more than academic opportunities. They offer purpose, direction, and the chance to turn passion into preparation.