W.T. White’s education pathway builds future leaders

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.

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.”