Blue Springs School District

Blue Springs High School junior Alivia Richeson has seen firsthand what it takes to be a teacher – and she can’t wait to become one. Richeson, a student in the Career Innovation Center’s Introduction to Teaching class, has been one of 37 participants visiting BSSD schools to observe teachers engaged in their craft.

Richeson’s latest visit was to Brittany Hill Middle School, and students in the program visit all grades while learning teaching strategies, methods and interactions. Richeson said her early impressions are that teaching requires a great deal more than the classroom.

“My visits have taught me that being a teacher takes a lot of organization, patience and responsibility,” she said. “It was such a good opportunity to see the teachers being so great at what they do. I also visited a kindergarten class, and I think getting to teach kindergartners some of the most important skills would be such a good goal and sense of achievement as a teacher.”

This year, the Intro to Teaching program has expanded to a yearlong class for juniors and seniors, in partnership with Missouri State University, offering up to 10 college credits. Students can also earn the Missouri Substitute Certification, and juniors will be able to take the newly added second year course titled “Practicum in Teaching” next school year as a senior. 

A new class was also created in the Teaching and Education Pathway titled “Educational Supports Careers.” This course introduces students to the vital support roles within the education system while partnering with BSSD Prime Time to get fieldwork experiences with elementary students at different Prime Time sites.

Intro to Teaching instructor Angie Oliver said the goal is for students to learn the technical aspects of teaching, and how to build a classroom environment.

 “My goal is for my students to leave this class with a deep understanding of what it truly means to be an educator — not just someone who delivers content, but someone who makes a lasting impact on students’ lives,” she said. “I want them to learn how to create engaging lessons, manage a classroom effectively, and most importantly, build meaningful relationships with students. I also want them to experience Real World Learning beyond textbooks by observing classrooms, assisting teachers, tutoring younger students, and reflecting on those experiences.”

Blue Springs South senior Collette Scott said going on the teaching journey with other classmates is a great resource.

“Everyone in the class has a passion for teaching. Not just an interest, but an actual passion,” she said. “It’s refreshing to be surrounded by like-minded peers who you can reflect upon. I’m eternally grateful that this program is available because it gets me ready for a career in the teaching field. I’m also hoping that it prepares me for college teaching courses.”

Blue Springs South student Mason Booheister would love to teach band and music but also learned a great deal from his observation trip to Liggett Trail Education Center.

“After our time at LTEC, it especially opened my eyes to other possibilities that I hadn’t even considered. I’m very thankful for the opportunity opening through this class, it has prepared me to change plans on the spot, learn something quickly and then be able to turn around and instruct that idea instantly.”

Oliver said observing all levels of classroom teaching may help her students find a grade level they are more comfortable with or a specific subject they may want to teach.

  “As a teacher, one of the most rewarding parts of seeing my students work in classrooms and engage in hands-on experiences is watching them transform from learners into leaders. There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing them apply what we’ve discussed in class to real-world situations — whether it’s building rapport with younger students, managing classroom dynamics, or adapting lessons to meet diverse needs. These moments show me that they’re not just absorbing information; they’re internalizing what it means to be an educator. Real World Learning brings teaching to life and witnessing that growth firsthand is truly inspiring.”