Every school year, teachers open up their classrooms to aspiring teachers from local colleges looking to gain some experience.

English teacher Shannon Holeyfield gained a helping hand from a Harding student teacher at the beginning of this semester.

“I first got involved in teaching when I tutored students in high school,” student teacher Alex Ford said. “That kind of gave me a taste of it and I really enjoyed helping people who needed it.”

Before Ford can start teaching, she has to learn the ropes at Searcy High while helping Holeyfield in the classroom.

“I went to high school at a very small school. I graduated with 50 people, so I am getting used 

to the ‘bigness’ of Searcy. But I really enjoy the student diversity and all the different activities like after school programs,” said Ford. “Right now, I’m trying to get used to the schedule and the facility and getting into the routines.”

To someone used to a small atmosphere, Ford was challenged when it came to the Searcy campus.

“All of the hallways look the same!” she confessed.

Ford has ambitious goals after student teaching and graduating from Harding University.

“I want to go to grad school and get my masters in literature, and after that, teach in a low- income district,” said Ford.

Student teaching at Searcy High will help her prepare for her aspired career someday.