On the floor of a Dallas ISD elementary classroom, one senior leans over a set of plastic coins, patiently teaching a young learner the basics of math. Down the hall, another senior helps a first-grader use crayons to color a map, turning a geography lesson into a vibrant exploration of the world.
A masterclass on leadership and interpersonal skills, this is what a typical day in the Education and Training pathway at W.T. White High School looks like, where textbooks are replaced by real-world training.
For Yoselyn L., the transition from the high school hallway to the head of a classroom was a path she never expected to take.
“It helped me grow as a person and step outside my comfort zone,” she said. “I didn’t want to be a teacher at first, but the internship changed my mind and opened that door for me.”
Formerly known as the Human Services pathway, the program was driven by a growing interest in teaching. Transformed into a dedicated pipeline for future educators, students walk away with communication skills, empathy, patience, and mentorship.
Entering the program as ninth graders, they take classes that delve into the human experience, covering every stage of a person’s life. During their junior and senior years, students intern at Dallas ISD elementary campuses, putting their theoretical knowledge into practice.
Senior Fatima M.’s internship is spent at Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker Middle School, keeping students engaged and on track. For her, the Education and Training Pathway is the most rewarding program she’s been in at W.T. White.
“Patience is the biggest thing I’ve learned throughout my time here; it also taught me how to be responsible,” she said.
The program’s founder, Leann Little, spent the past four years turning the program from a blank slate into a thriving pathway with a promising curriculum. Today, 85 students are enrolled and earn an educational aide certification upon graduation.
“Seeing them out in their internship is one of my favorite parts because they start off scared and shy,” Little said. “When they come back they tell me all the experiences about what the kids said to them or what they were doing.”
Senior Vanessa D. remembers this feeling, transforming hesitation into confidence.
“Last year, we were pretty nervous to meet the kids, but then you start warming up to them and they come and hug you; it’s really comforting,” she said. “I’m really excited to spend the whole day with them because I love kids and I see a future in becoming a teacher.”
The pathway serves as a bridge between high school and the professional world. By providing early career clarity, it allows students to experience leading a classroom. By earning their educational aide certification students gain an advantage when they apply for jobs, providing a clear path to financial and professional stability.
“You won’t know what a teacher goes through without this experience,” Fatima said. “Managing kids, lesson planning, preventing burnout, and how to take care of students–it’s really important. In life, you’re going to need someone to rely on, and that person will be one of your teachers. Most importantly for me, a teacher will always help me encourage myself.”
