Special to Pelahatchie News
In its inaugural year, Pelahatchie High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Educator Preparation program is already making a strong impact, equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to become future educators. Under the leadership of instructor Deanna Knowles, the new program is providing hands-on learning opportunities and inspiring students to pursue careers in education.
Built on the Mississippi State University Research and Curriculum Unit Educator Preparation curriculum, the program introduces students to the foundations of teaching and learning, classroom management strategies, instructional planning, child development, and the ethical responsibilities of educators. Students also explore school leadership, educational systems, and effective communication, essential components in preparing tomorrow’s teachers and education leaders.
The importance of cultivating future educators is especially meaningful in Pelahatchie. More than 20 employees within Pelahatchie Attendance Center are graduates of Pelahatchie High School, reflecting a strong tradition of alumni returning to serve the school that shaped them. The new Educator Preparation program seeks to continue that legacy by encouraging students to invest in their hometown and contribute to the strength of local schools.
That spirit of commitment and excellence was evident when Pelahatchie High’s EdRising students attended the State Leadership Conference held Feb. 2–3 at the University of Southern Mississippi. All seven students representing Pelahatchie placed in their respective competitive events, an extraordinary accomplishment for a first-year program.
State Leadership Conference Results:
- 1st Place - Inside Our Schools: Katlynn Murray and Kaiah Myers
- 2nd Place - Exploring Education Administration Careers: Emilee Myers
- 3rd Place - Project Visualize: Brianna Brown and Lyla McCartney
- 4th Place - Children’s Literature (K–3): MC Canfield
- 5th Place - Interactive Bulletin Board (High School): Breanna Roberson
EdRising competitions challenge students to demonstrate skills aligned with real-world educational practices. Participants analyze school systems, develop leadership strategies, design instructional materials, and create classroom resources, reflecting the curriculum’s emphasis on practical application and student-centered learning.
Students in the program engage in project-based learning, peer teaching exercises, and field-based observations that mirror authentic classroom environments. Through these experiences, they build professional skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and instructional design while gaining a deeper understanding of diverse learning needs.
School leadership says the program’s early achievements highlight its value for both students and the broader community. With more than 20 alumni already serving within the attendance center, the program represents an investment in sustaining that tradition of service and strengthening local education for generations to come.
With momentum from its first year and state-level recognition already secured, Pelahatchie High School’s Educator Preparation program is poised to continue growing, preparing students not only to enter the education profession but to return, lead, and inspire the next generation in the community that first inspired them. If your student has shown interest in the future of education, have them speak with Mrs. Knowles or Mrs. Johns about the opportunity to join our Educator Preparation Program next school year.
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