At a time when schools nationwide face critical teacher shortages, Herrin High School is taking a proactive approach by growing their own future educators through a program called Educators Rising.

"If you want to be a teacher, this is the club for you," says junior Haleigh Absher, a member who dreams of becoming an elementary school PE teacher. The program, officially established as a club in 2023, now boasts 34 members and provides hands-on experiences for juniors and seniors exploring careers in education.

Absher joined Educators Rising this year as part of her Early Childhood Development class with instructor Amanda Hickman. The dual-credit course allows students to earn college credits while still in high school, with a second portion available to seniors.

"I've never really been in any clubs, but this year since I'm taking the John A. Logan Community College class, I joined Educators Rising. I really enjoy it. I think this is the club for me," Absher explains.

What sets Educators Rising apart is its emphasis on real classroom experience. Members student-teach at local schools, working with established teachers in their areas of interest.

"We get to student teach at different schools," Absher says. "I student teach at the elementary school under Mr. Snell. I try to go maybe three times in three months, like once every month. I like going on Fridays because that's the most hectic day—which I know sounds crazy, but it's just so fun to me."

The program requires approximately 40 hours of classroom experience, and these absences don't count against students' attendance records. Participants gradually take on more responsibility throughout the year.

"You're working up to being able to have a whole lesson plan and teaching an entire school day of kids," Absher explains. "You don't have to stick to just one teacher. If you decide you want to be a second-grade teacher and you go for a day and don't like it, you can try middle school instead. You have opportunities throughout the entire school year to try as many teachers as you want and figure out what's your best fit."

Educators Rising also provides competitive opportunities. Members prepare for the SIFTC (Southern Illinois Future Teachers Competition), where students compete in various teaching-related events.

"I'm doing the STEM one where we have to build the tallest tower out of popsicle sticks and things like that," Absher says. "And since I want to be an elementary school PE teacher, I'm also making a billboard bulletin board."

The club has a dedicated workspace called the Collaboration Room, equipped with a Cricut machine, T-shirt making supplies, markers, and other resources for competition preparation. Past groups have brought home numerous trophies, creating a legacy of excellence that motivates current members.

Beyond competitions, Educators Rising participates in community service, including events at the Marion Pavilion with activities like face painting and tricycle races for local children. Members also volunteer at elementary school STEM nights.

"It's a night where students get to hang out with the older students," Absher says. "When I was little, I thought the high schoolers were the coolest people ever."

The club's activities have solidified Absher's career path. She plans to attend either Southern Illinois University or John A. Logan College after graduation, staying close to the community she hopes to serve.

The program comes at a critical time for education. Absher has witnessed the teacher shortage firsthand, noting that when an English teaching position opened recently, the school received only three applications—a stark contrast to pre-shortage days when such openings would attract seven or eight candidates.

For Herrin High School students undecided about their future, Absher offers this advice: "Even if you don't know what you want to do, this club could help you find out. Especially if you are considering education. If you love kids, if you like being the boss of something, being the teacher—you will definitely enjoy this club."

With advisors Amanda Hickman and Amber George at the helm, Educators Rising is cultivating the next generation of teachers—right where they're needed most.