Many students know about the variety of CTE classes offered at West Lauderdale, but few know about the new class, Educator Preparation. Educator Preparation helps students pursue a career in education. This is the first year this class has been offered at West Lauderdale, and Suzie Sanders is teaching the class.

This class is great for students who are interested in becoming a teacher. There are many opportunities in this class that will teach life skills, look good on college applications, and be good for most any field they go into.

Students entered the state competition at William Carey University on February 19-21. Brinley Hatcher, Kyndal Ethridge, Liza Kate Orrell, and Brailynn Lee competed in the events they chose for competition. Brinley Hatcher and Kyndal Ethridge placed in the top ten of their competitive event. Brailynn Lee and Liza Kate Orrell placed first in their event.

Mrs. Sanders was asked about the competition and class. She stated, “We’ve had a lot of support from this county office and from our administrators, Ms. Crowell and Mr. Richardson. We just got back from competition in our first year, and we had great results.”

The Educator Preparation class raised money for competition by selling fudge. They sold around 150 units, making around 750 dollars profit.

Competition went really well. Mrs. Sanders added, “It was stressful to prepare for it, but our competition was very well organized and our students did very well there… they seem to have really enjoyed themselves, and they are looking forward to going back again next year, as am I.”

Mrs. Sanders and the Educator Preparation students believe that students should look into the class and should consider taking it their sophomore or junior year. Mrs. Sanders mentioned, “Even if you decide you don’t want to be a teacher and that you never are going to work in any education related field, you’ll still have a good time, make great memories, and learn some skills that will help you in any field that you decide to go into.”